LEWISTON – Gaston L. “Gus” Leclair, 85, of 5 Lafayette St., Lewiston, passed away at his home on Saturday, Feb. 3.

He was born in Lewiston on Nov. 10, 1921, the son of Ferdinand and Annie Taylor Leclair. Educated locally, he was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving in Algeria during the North African Campaign.

Returning to Lewiston after the war, he married the former Rolande Maillet on July 20, 1946. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at a special gathering at their son’s home in Auburn this past summer.

A master plumber and gas fitter by trade, he went to work for the Lewiston Gas Light Co. in 1955, and retired from its successor, Northern Utilities, in 1978.

In his spare time, Gus loved bowling, woodworking and working around his home, where he particularly enjoyed his rock and flower gardens. Always a family man, he never missed an opportunity to attend his grandsons’ sports activities.

In earlier years, he belonged to a number of social and fraternal organizations. Proud of his country and his military service, he was a life member of the American Legion and a member of Holy Family Parish.

He is survived by his loving wife of Lewiston; a sister, Jeanette Girardin of Florida; a son, Norman, and wife, Charlene Leclair, of Auburn; a daughter, Lucille, and husband, Lee Clement, of Dover, N.H.; four grandchildren, Karen, and husband, Eric Palleschi, Scott Clement, Chris Leclair and Nathan Leclair; and a great-grandson, Kyle Palleschi who arrived on Sept. 30, much to the delight of his “grand-pepere.”

He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Regina; and a sister, Yvette Mercier, who passed away in Auburn on Sunday, Feb. 4, within 24 hours of her brother’s death.