BUCKSPORT – Robert C. LeClair, 80, passed away Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, with his loving and devoted companion of 36 years, Nancy Greenlaw, by his side. He was born Nov. 10, 1931, in Orono, son of Perley C. and Kathleen (Sullivan) LeClair.

Robbie attended school at St. Mary's in Orono then in 1943 the family moved to Bucksport. He graduated from Bucksport High School in 1950; he received military and marine training at Maine Maritime Academy after which he shipped out with Sacony Shipping. He returned to Bucksport and was employed for 40 years at St. Regis, now Verso Paper Co., where he pursued a career in instrumentation and was a first class engineer in the steam plant, and served as union president. Robbie and his father also worked together at P.C. LeClair and Son Electrical. He was active in the Catholic church for many years, serving as alter boy in his youth, and later served as president of the Jaycee's contributing to community projects. He was a coach of Pop Warner Football, a sport he always had a passion for. He served the March of Dimes and was a supporter of all community fund raising. In retirement he was able to enjoy visiting elderly friends and working on improvements to the family home which was built in 1802. He was famous for baking bread and making a fabulous spaghetti sauce from the tomatoes he raised in his garden. We always enjoyed Dad's holiday gatherings especially his scallop stew. He leaves a family he adored and was very proud of. He loved teaching his children to swim, sail, water-ski, canoe and taking them up on Great Pond Mountain to pick blueberries, as well as winter activities at the family camp on Craig's Pond.

He is survived by five children, Martha MacLeod and her husband, Larry, of Brewer, Rebecca LeClair and her companion, Charles Kelley, of Bucksport, Roberta Freeman and her husband, Dennis, of Manchester, N.H., Allison LeClair of Bucksport, and Gregory LeClair and his wife, Katrina, of Orland; stepson, David Wilson and his wife, Mary, of Augusta; Nancy's sons, Buddy Greenlaw and wife, Megan, and Benji Greenlaw; Nancy's brother, Carl Francis and wife, Jackie, of Searsport; 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; two sisters, Kathleen P. Rosebush of Calais, and Joyce Viollette and husband, Henry, of Orland; and one brother, John LeClair and wife, Ann, of Clearwater, Fla. In addition to his parents, Rob was predeceased by one brother, James LeClair, as well as three faithful canine companions, Dyrk, Zoggins, and his killer dog, Sweet Pea; and one feline companion, Tripper. The family gives special thanks to Dr. Beth Ann Lieberman and Laurie LeBlanc.

A celebration of his life will take place noon Jan. 7, 2012, at his home, 47 Franklin St., Bucksport. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert's memory may be made to Bangor Humane Society, 693 B Mount Hope Ave., Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements are by Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 28 Elm St., Bucksport.