Obituary: Charles Henry Le Clair Sr.

Charles Henry Le Clair Sr., born May 26, 1924, was a 20-year resident of Clear Lake, Calif., and longtime resident of Carson City. He died February 4, 2010, at the age of 85.

Charles was a member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. Affectionately known as "Chief" to his family and friends, his Indian name was "White Rock." His father Peter Le Clair was a leader in the tribe prior to his death in 1969. Charles spent the majority of his childhood on the Redbud Reservation in South Dakota. It was there he learned to become an expert hunter. Charles' special skill as a diver was utilized during his active duty aboard the U.S.S. Reno during World War II. His rank was Seaman, First Class, V6 USNR. After the war he remained in close contact with many of his shipmates. He reunited with a number of them by attending many of the U.S.S. Reno reunions. After the war Charles became an accomplished brick and stone mason and member of Bricklayers Local 13 and International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1. He practiced his trade for more than 50 years. Much of his esteemed work can be seen throughout California, Lake Tahoe and Nevada.

Charles is survived by his wife Margie; daughters Cheryl Fua, Bernita Le Clair, Suzan Pederson and husband Eric; sons Charles H. Le Clair Jr. and Charles Allen [Charlie] Le Clair and wife Nita. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Troy, Jason and Ryan Fua, Susan Wells, Ron Higgins, Michael, Jesse, Rachael and Samantha Le Clair, Allison and Jessica Pederson, and his great-grandchildren Jay Yarbrough, Tyler and Kayla Fua, Brandon Wells, Dominic Le Clair, Ryan and Justin Vincent. He was preceded in death by his second wife Helen Le Clair in 1984. Charles' ashes will be spread at sea by a U.S. Navy vessel. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.