Donald Frederick (Don) Le Clair passed away peacefully at his home in Sherwood on January 8, 2026, at the age of 88. He was a loving husband for nearly 62 years to Carlie Ann (nee Sullivan), who hailed from Montague, PEI. He was a devoted father to Paula (Brent Thompson), Stephen (Skipper), Ronnie (Silvia), Katie (Andrew Doherty), and Terry. Don was a proud Grampie/Poppa to Bryce and Carly Thompson, Reece, Nathan, Eric and Scarlet Le Clair, Ella (Roman Tiessen), Colin, Rebecca and Jonathan Doherty. He is survived by his brothers-in-law John (Helena) and Billy (Cathy) Sullivan; Ralph Kennedy (Maye deceased); sisters-in-law Maureen (Robert Taylor), Jane (Dave Adam), Marion (Paul deceased) and Sandra Le Clair; as well as many nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his parents Peter and Lucy Le Clair; his brothers Peter and Leonard; and sisters Katherine (in infancy), Ina, Marion, Sr Mary Gabriel, Sr June, Maye and Pauline.
Don began his post-secondary education at Mc Gill University before returning to PEI to finish his first degree at St Dunstan’s University. He later earned another degree from UPEI. For 12 years he worked as a high school teacher before moving into the provincial government with a focus on health and fitness. During this time, he played a key role in establishing Sport PEI as its first director and was heavily involved with PEI’s initial Canada Games teams, attending multiple games as Chef de Mission. Don concluded his career with the provincial government as Director of Sport, Recreation and Heritage before joining Health Canada until he retired. In his younger days, Don was an athlete involved in various sports including football and track & field teams at St Dunstan’s. His commitment to active living continued into his senior years through long-distance running, brisk walks or coaching different sports across ages and levels like football, basketball, and track & field. Yet nothing matched his passion for baseball-whether it meant hitchhiking to Boston at age 16 to catch a Red Sox game or leading the 1977 PEI seniors men’s baseball team to a national silver medal. He dedicated ten years serving as volunteer president of Baseball PEI while also sharing the love of the game with his sons.
Visitation will take place at Belvedere Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 13 from 4 pm – 7 pm. The funeral mass will be held at St. Pius X Church on Wednesday, January 14 at 11 am. To live stream the service please click on this link Remembering Don. If you encounter any issues accessing the livestream call 1-877-895-2739 for assistance. Instead of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s name to the Upper Room.
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