Rodney Joseph LeClaire
Published May 16, 2014
Rodney Joseph LeClaire
Sunrise: April 5, 1944
Sunset: April 15, 2014
Rodney Joesph LeClaire, 70, Passed away on April 15, 2014 after a valiant battle with Leukemia. Mr. LeClaire was a resident of Auburn since 1983. He was born on April 5, 1944 in L’Anse, Michigan; the second eldest of five children born to Alice and Leo LeClaire. Rodney spent his early years in L’Anse and John Day, Oregon. He moved with his family to Trentwood (Spokane Valley) Washington in 1951. Rodney graduated from Trentwood Grade School and attended West Valley High School. Mr. LeClaire moved to Spokane with his family and graduated from Lewis & Clark High School in 1962.
Mr. LeClaire lived in Seattle a number of years, working as a cook and waiter in numerous restaurants, including George’s Bar & Grill, and as a manager of a Frankfurter Restaurant. He also owned his own cafe. He returned to Spokane in 1973.
Rodney moved to Auburn in 1983. He was an avid reader, enjoyed tending his roses; and caring for his two beloved cats, Starlight and Baby Doll. He enjoyed dining out and was a superb cook. Mr. LeClaire attended Auburn First United Methodist Church and Auburn Senior Center.
He is survived by his loving partner of 41 years, Dolph-Hubert T. (Tedd, “Dolph”) Swanson; one brother, Gerald LeClaire and wife Donna of Spokane; 2 sisters, Patricia Ostin and husband Gerald of Spokane, and Donna Willms and husband Gary of Spokane; several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.
Celebration of Life, Saturday May 17, 2014 at Auburn First United Methodist Church, 1 PM, 100 “N” St. SE Auburn. Memorials in Mr. LeClaire’s name may be given to Auburn First United Methodist Church, Music Ministry, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance or Auburn Valley Humane Society. He is deeply missed.