March 25, 1934 – March 13, 2017 Neil Vincent LeClaire, 82, of Everett, WA, made the journey to his Creator. Neil was born in Tulalip, WA. A proud member of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington. He graduated from Marysville High School in 1953. During the summer he went to a logging camp to work with the “big boys”, and then attended Seattle Pacific University for a year to study Engineering. He married his high school sweetheart, Colleen Jean Simons in 1954. They had two beautiful children, Christopher Neil LeClaire and Michelle Martha LeClaire.
Neil proudly served in the Army (Korea) from 1956-1958. He concluded his tour in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1962. He worked for Weyerhaeuser Mills for 37 years, ending his employment as a Journeyman Electrician when the mill closed. He was an active member of the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers Union as Chairman of Health and Welfare. In 1989, he was surprised to fall in love with Sharon Lee Greenhalgh. He acquired two wonderful step-children, Troy Alan Greenhalgh and Cari Dawn Greenhalgh. Neil and Sharon were partners for 28 years, married for 18.
Neil belonged to many pistol, rifle and archery ranges for many years where hr enjoyed trap and target shooting with the fellas. He watched every sport and played many as well. He loved to camp with his family and travel. He had many hobbies and could plan and engineer just about any problem you gave him. He loved to support his children, step-children, and grandchildren in all their many endeavors. He impacted the lives of many people with his care and support. Neil was a generous man who was willing to help others without reservation and had a strong work ethic that was admired by all. He was ambitious and always up for an adventure. Neil was a devoted son, father, husband, grandfather and friend.
Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Lincoln Napoleon LeClaire and Martha “Mamie” Alma (Hatch) LeClaire; his first wife, Colleen Jean (Simons) LeClaire; as well as additional family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon (Greenhalgh) LeClaire; his two children, Chistopher (Linda) LeClaire and Michelle LeClaire; step-children, Troy (Amy) Greenhalgh and Cari (Rob) Dahl; and beloved grand-children, McKenna, Eli, Greyson Dahl and Shelby Greenhalgh; half siblings, David Daniel Spencer Sr., Robert Spencer, Charles Spencer, Mildred Spencer and Vivian Spencer; and cousins, Donald “Penoke” Hatch Jr., Ilene (Chuck) James, Cynie (Max) McGee, and Sally Prouty.
Funeral Services were held Monday, March 20, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at the Tulalip Gym with burial following at Mission Beach Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory to USO, Disabled American Vets, or a charity of your choice.