Beatrice Birthe LeClair

On December 29, 2023, surrounded by friends and family, Mom’s amazing life journey came to a peaceful end. And just like her favorite Frank Sinatra song, she did it “My Way”. Fearless, adventurous, and a true matriarch of her family, Mom will be forever missed.

Born May 16, 1926 in Copenhaguen, Denmark, she had the first of many cruises in her life at age 2, crossing the North Atlantic with her mother, offloading at the famous Pier 21 in Halifax. From there, they boarded the train and trekked cross-Canada to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, meeting up with her Dad, who had left a year earlier to search out a better life in a new country. Things didn’t quite work out as planned, as Dad fled back to Denmark, leaving behind a wife and now two (2) small children in this strange new world.

But providence stepped in and a young bachelor Danish farmer named Einar Nielsen was persuaded to take in the young family on his grain farm at Red Deer Hill, a small community just south of Prince Albert. Although money was non-existent in those days, life was full of adventure, raising crops, looking after farm animals, attending local barn socials/dances, and saddling up the horse for the trek to the one-room school house, which was apparently up-hill both ways and always seemed to be -30 C and snowy!

The farm upbringing taught her resilience, an amazing work ethic and independence, attributes that guided her throughout her life. Although she only went to school for 5 years, she was a voracious reader, with an inquiring mind, eventually completing her Grade 12 on her own.

At age 16, she moved off the farm into Prince Albert, starting her career in retail, working for Eaton’s and living on her own. WW II called and she did her duty, shipping out to Camp Borden in 1944, driving truck around the base, just like at the farm. After the war, it was back to PA, continuing her career in retail.

She soon met Edwin LeClair, an amazing dancer at one of the local barn dances, and they married in 1950. Three little boys soon followed but the Saskatchewan winters were too tough on Ed’s arthritis and they were told to move to easier climes so in 1964, they sold everything and moved to Victoria, B.C.

She spent many years working at Woodwards, raising three strong boys but tiring of a tumultuous marriage, in 1980 she packed her bags and moved to Penticton. Here she found herself and truly started to blossom. She was hired to manage Ashton’s Lady Wear in Penticton, a job she truly loved but spent most of her paycheck on the amazing clothes in the store!!

She retired to Kelowna, where she met up with a handsome fellow named Herb, who shared a love of travel and adventure, and together they literally roamed and cruised the world. They were up to 12 cruises and counting before Herb’s untimely passing.

She then spent a number of years in Saskatchewan and Alberta, eventually heading back to Kamloops, ending up at Berwick at the Park, where she met her sweet and gentle soulmate, Duane, and together they would hold hands, listen to beautiful music, and talk about the old days.

A lover of music and an accomplished singer, Mom was so proud of her time with the Sweet Adeline’s, Okanagan Symphony Choir, and other countless choirs that she sang with throughout her life.

During her entire life, whenever one of the boys needed a hand, she would drop everything and ride to the rescue, helping out with whatever was asked and fully enjoying the experience.

She is left to mourn by her son Brent (Jessie)in Spruce Grove, Alberta, grandchildren Jeremiah (Marina), Heather, great grandchild Christopher, son Ronald in Calgary, Alberta, son Lyle (Barb) in Kamloops, grandchildren Stephanie, Danielle, Pierce, and of course, Duane. Also left to mourn are numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and grandnieces back in Saskatchewan and Denmark.

She maintained strong ties to her native Denmark throughout her life, through numerous trips to visit her extended family, and constant phone calls, never losing her ability to speak in her maiden tongue, something she was very proud of.

A small memorial service will be held in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan later on this spring, where she will be laid to rest with her Mom and Einar.