Ronald Joseph LeClair, 91, of Harpswell (most recently a resident of Sunnybrook Senior Living in Brunswick), passed away on Nov. 22, 2025, from a cardiac event. He was born in Waterville on Feb. 5, 1934, the son of the late Alfred and Victoria (Bechard) LeClair. He was predeceased by his sister, Virginia (LeClair) McGhee, and her husband, John.
Ronnie was outgoing and loved to greet his neighbors and their pets while out and about on Hurricane Ridge. He was always happy to talk about sports. A true sports fan, he didn’t miss many games or matches, either to participate in with the neighbor kids when he was younger or watch on TV in his later years.
Ronnie was an incredible athlete who scored 523 points in his final season on the Brunswick High School basketball team. He dove into lobstering with the same intensity he brought to the basketball court, football field, tennis court and bowling alley.
He was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame, and his trophies and medals accumulated in the house as he and Jean traveled the country competing in the Senior Olympics in tenpin bowling. We’ve lost count of his 300 games. His nickname, “Gull,” was born because he was always winning the pot after every bowling game and would swoop in like a gull to take the winnings.
Speaking of nicknames, every lobsterman in Harpswell had one dubbed by Ronnie whether they wanted one or not. In 1974 Ronnie was part of a small group of lobstermen who founded Interstate Lobstermen’s Co-op. Many lobstermen today still benefit from his innovations in lobstering, though they might know where they originated from.
Ronnie is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Jean; and his family: son Greg LeClair and his husband, Michael Greene, of Richmond; son Gary LeClair and his wife, Linda, of Harpswell; and daughter Lisa Rendall and her husband, Craig, of Brunswick. His grandchildren are Brett LeClair and husband Bryan Marker; Adam LeClair and wife Melody; Stephanie Rendall and husband Clark Heijbroek; and Nick Rendall and fiance Michelle Couturier. He had four great-grandchildren: Reese, Cali, Chase, and Carter. He was so proud to talk about his family to anyone who would listen.
The family is so grateful to CHANS and the Sunnybrook staff for their kindness and care.
Please visit brackettfh.com to view Ronnie’s online memorial.
A boat parade in Ronnie’s honor will be held off Harpswell this spring for family and friends. Details will be announced at a later date.
