Ronald Roy La Clair

LaClair Family

Ronald R. LaClair, born on September 22, 1934, on the Rosebud reservation in South Dakota, to Roy Oran LaClair and Viola Adelia LaClair (Long), passed away peacefully less than one month after his 90th birthday at his home in Cherry Valley, California on October 17, 2024.

In his early days, Ron moved around with his family to Washington and then California. There he quit his job as a “Chicken Receiver” and joined the U.S. Air national Guard. He was subsequently honorably discharged in a year due to enlisting too early. After this he served 2 years in the U.S. Army and was recommended for officer candidate training school. However, he married Flora Fay Tolin and chose to be honorably discharged before gaining employment with The Kaiser Steel Corporation as a machinist apprentice. After working at Kaiser for 27 years, he then worked for Southern California Edison for 14 years, before retiring.

He was known as a loving and devoted father to his five children and three stepchildren after marrying Barbara Jean LaClair, his wife of 50 years.

Ron is survived by seven children: Daughters Lynette, Mary and Misty, Sons Ronnie, Lee, Lawrence and Russell. One child, Linda, preceded him in passing. He had seven grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.

Known for his quick wit and charismatic charm, Ron loved to dance and socialize with the many people in his community. He was friendly and outgoing and had a lifelong love for sports, whether playing, coaching or watching them.

In his later years, Ron enjoyed playing golf with his brother Oran, who preceded him along with his parents. His two sisters, Eleanor and Bonnie, will miss him greatly.

Ron LaClair was proud of his name and Potawatomi heritage. He passed along this pride to his children.