In memory of gary leclair

From The Executive Director and Founder, Corie LeClair

Gary LeClair, my father and a proud New Hampshire native, passed away in 2021 when I was about 19 years old. He worked tirelessly throughout his life, first as a logger and later as a truck driver, continuing his dedication to work until the very day he left us. My father instilled in me a strong set of morals that deeply shaped my character and values. Without his guidance and influence, this nonprofit would not have become a reality.

While losing my father was incredibly difficult, it’s far easier to focus on the countless gifts his life brought us. As my father, he taught me to cherish what truly matters, helping your neighbor, supporting local businesses, and valuing love, family, and hard work. He upheld a standard that feels rare today: kindness and compassion. My father’s legacy will forever be reflected in the family he raised and the values he instilled in us. Rather than dwell on our loss, our family feels immense gratitude for the remarkable man he was and the lasting impact he left behind.

My father cared deeply about small towns, local businesses, and standing up for the little guy. Through this nonprofit, I hope to bring his vision of a better, more supportive world to life.

more from the family

A more person note, from Corie

When my father passed away, I felt lost and unsure of how to move forward. For a long time, I remained stuck, unsure of what to do or where to go. I will always carry the regret of not being by his side in his final moments, but I find solace in remembering the ways he shaped me. Through his guidance, unwavering morals, and steadfast support, he taught me the importance of making a meaningful impact in this world.

My father always put his children first, and I have no doubt he was proud of us. I wish he could be here to see what I’ve accomplished since his passing, but I hold on to the belief that he knows I’ve done my best to carry on without him. Everything I’ve achieved—especially the work of this nonprofit—stems from the values he instilled in me. The change we strive to create in the world is a reflection of his legacy, and for that, I will always be grateful.

  “There are three deaths. The first is when the body ceases to function. The second is when the body is consigned to the graved. The third is that moment, sometime in the future, when your name is spoken for the last time.”

David Eagleman, Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives

From Anne Wasiela, Gary's Daughter

Gary was a good man. The kind you could trust. The kind you could count on. The kind that took on children that weren't his. Gary was not my biological father, but that didn't stop him from loving me as if I were his own. He was the kind of dad who helped me with my math homework. Who helped me practice so I could make the soccer team and who would sneak me candy when mom said no more. 

I can still hear the excitement and joy in the voices of 4 of us kids as we ran to the door screaming "daddy!" whenever he would come home from the road. He would laugh and scoop each one of us up for a big bear hug. 

We went many years without speaking and when we finally reconnected, we cried together and he told me that no matter what, I would always be his little girl. That was the last time I heard my father tell me that he loved me. I will always be grateful for the love, lessons, and kindness that he offered me growing up. I would not be the woman I am today without his guidance. 
Forever loved. 

From Cody LeClair, Gary's Son

He was a loving and devoted father who always put his children first. Despite working tirelessly, he still found time for each of us. I have so many cherished memories with him. Even though he rarely showed his emotions, we always knew how deeply he loved each and every one of us. He made sure we were always taken care of, often putting our needs above everything else.

Remembering gary