Father Gerald Leclaire died peacefully on May 23, 2010, Pentecost Sunday, at René Goupil House in Pickering, Ontario at the age of 82. He was born in Montreal, Quebec, the son of Jean-Alphonse and Adelaide Culleton, attended D'Arcy McGee High School for 4 years and entered the Society of Jesus on September 7, 1947. After his studies in philosophy in Toronto, Fr. Gerry studied history at the University of Toronto for 3 years. In 1957 he began his mission to Darjeeling, India. His was ordained priest on March 22, 1961 in Darjeeling after serving as co-pastor in Gayaganga from 1964 to 1965 he moved to St. Joseph's College in Darjeeling where he taught history and theology and was also the Rector and Prefect of Studies.

Fr. Leclaire, in 1978, accepted a posting to the Kingdom of Bhutan and became principal of Sherubtse School in eastern Bhutan. After 11 years in Bhutan, he returned to St. Joseph's College as principal and lecturer. He was appointed Rector in 1997, a post he held for only two years before suffering a massive stroke while on a visit to Canada. Despite his debilitating stroke which robbed him of speech, he always enjoyed visitors at René Goupil House in Pickering and he could be seen outdoors on his motorized cart whizzing around the property. He did this almost daily as weather allowed. Gerry bore his heavy cross with equanimity and courage and was an example to many who were his companions at the infirmary.

His Wake will be held on Thursday 27th 2010 at 7-9 pm St. Ignatius Chapel at Manresa, with Funeral Mast on Friday 28th May 2010 at 11 am at St. Ignatius Chapel followed by Interment at the Jesuit Cemetery in Guelph at 2:30 pm.

For any additional details, please contact Canadian Jesuits International at 1 800 448 2148 or cji@jesuits.ca