Mr. Byron Joseph LeClair aged 49 years, passed away suddenly Wednesday, July 26, 2017. Byron was born on November 22, 1967 in Sioux Lookout. Byron was very proud foremost of his family and then of his career. He is a member of Pic River First Nation with family ties in Lac Suel, Gull Bay, and Sandpoint.

Byron is survived by his wife of 28 years, Rhonda and his children Joshua, Danica, Christopher , Lhea, and his grandchildren Calib and Logan Lyons and Bryton Wigwas. He is loved by his parents Esther Vincent and Joseph LeClair. Byron will sadly be missed by his brothers Joseph LeClair, Leslie LeClair (Rhea), Kody LeClair and Joe Bouchard. Byron will also be missed by mother in-law Bernadette McIntyre (Ray), John Lyons (Kathy), Rhea Lyons, nephews and nieces, Courtney(Phoenix), Breanne(Cohen), Roxanne, Ethan, Abby, and Grace, and numerous other relatives also survive who know Byron as ‘Thee Byron’. Byron was predeceased by his son Jaret, sister Bernadette, nephew Kyler, and aunt Daisy.

Byron’s experience in First Nation economic development is well documented as the past Director of Energy Projects for the Pic River First Nation. In that capacity, he led the charge for renewable energy development, serving as President for Kagiano Power Corporation (a wholly owned community energy company) and Vice President of Business Development for the Begetekong Power Corporation (a partnership between Pic River and Innergex Renewable Energy). Byron has also served as President and CEO of Pic River Energy and Forestry, a community owned resource development company. Overseeing the growth of the company to include three operating hydro electric facilities with assets worth $125 million dollars, and a full service forestry company. He always believed that prosperity and self-sufficiency will come from within, and supported through prudently negotiated strategic partnerships. This is his LEGACY. More recently, Byron embarked on his own, establishing two companies, First Nations Resource Management, supplying industry clients with aboriginal business development support advice to mining and energy industry clients. Byron and his business partner, Melissa Hardy-Giles/Paul Giles, have also established Origin Operators and Recruitment, an aboriginal labour supply company, providing mining and construction companies with a single window solution for aboriginal employment engagement. A staunch advocate of Aboriginal rights, Byron spoke at many conferences on topics related to Aboriginal people, resource development projects and the benefits of First Nation business partnerships. Byron was a visionary and he worked diligently. He has previously served eight years as a counselor for his community. Byron believed in the potential of the youth and contributed to the development of that potential by providing company sponsorships. Through his accomplishments Byron leaves a strong legacy in his home community and beyond.

Byron lived life to the fullest. He was a passionate hockey fan and goalie. Toronto Maple Leafs will miss him. Byron was an avid and sometimes winning card player. Poker players loved his style of play, either raising the bet or calling his bluffs. They never got into the middle of his play when he was in a hand with his wife. He loved going to golf tournaments with his buddies Randall Courchene and Earl Klyne. He loved going to race his motorcycle in Terrace Bay and Wawa. He proudly displayed his trophies. Byron enjoyed countless hours playing online computer games, his current favourite being World War II – Battleground Europe (we appreciate his comrades who have reached out to express their sympathy). We would be remiss if we did not mention Byron’s frustration with his Smart TV and finding the right channel to watch Game of Thrones. 24 hours in a day is not enough for him.

Byron waited for the day he would see his son Jaret again. Family, friends and the community of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg can share his journey to the spirit world by visiting him at his home in Pic River beginning Sunday, July 30, at 1:00pm. The wake will begin Monday, July 31 evening followed by a traditional ceremony on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 10:00 am at the Pic River Community Hall. Burial will follow the service in the Pic River cemetery. He is greeted and accepted in loving arms by his son Jaret, his sister Bernadette, and the Ancestors who await his home coming. He is with them now, looking over us to guide us to be better people by being compassionate, kind, and loving to one another. His unconditional love and support for his family and friends will be greatly missed.