Jerry Edward LeClaire, 76

Jerry Edward LeClaire 

December 17 1949 - April 7 2026

Jerry was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to Lorna (Davis) and John Edward LeClaire. His father was one of the last railroad telegraphers, his mother an ace secretary. He was raised with plenty of love and lots liberty to ramble around his neighborhood (as long as he helped out at home and at the depot, and kept track of his allowance down to the last penny).

Jerry’s life was full of curiosity, hard work, good fun, and a particular commitment to stewardship and accountability. He was talented and adventurous, a natural student and a student of nature. Jerry graduated from Harvard in 1972 with a degree in botany, magna cum laude; he described himself at this point as: “well-educated for nothing in particular.” He worked in Argentina for two years as part of a National Science Foundation botanical survey (learning Spanish along the way), taught middle school biology in Poughkeepsie, New York, then returned to medical school at Harvard, graduating in 1980. Jerry eventually specialized in retina and vitreous surgery, settled in Spokane, Washington, with his wife, Kay, and son, Andrew, and joined the Spokane Eye Clinic in 1985.

Jerry was keen to bring the best possible care to his patients; maintaining and restoring vision was immensely meaningful work. He was a steady hand as chairman of the board while the Eye Clinic experienced enormous growth.  And Jerry loved being outdoors; with friends, family, and solo, hiking, skiing, biking, running, hunting and fishing. Jerry and Kay parted ways, and Jerry retired in 2012. 

Before retirement Jerry returned to contra dancing, something he had enjoyed in New England; he “danced his fool head off,” and became a valued dance organizer.  During retirement he became deeply engaged in civics, posting Indivisible – The High Ground three to five time a week on Substack. He was driven by concern and curiosity, constantly researching and writing to describe and distill complex topics for his readers, striving to support engagement in the political process and make the world better for future generations. During this time Jerry met a kindred spirit on the dance floor, Emily Faulkner. She became his partner, editor, and travel spark-plug, and a source of unwavering support during his five-year dance with cancer.

Jerry died peacefully on his back porch on a quiet, sunny morning, surrounded by his dear ones. He is survived by Emily, his son Andrew, his daughter-in-law Kendall, grandchildren Ella and Eli, his former sister-in-law Kathy Schlecht, and many, many friends. We miss him!

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane, 4340 West Whistalks Way, Spokane, WA, 99224. All are welcome; space is limited. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s memory to: Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho; the EWU Foundation; Spokane Public Radio; or any organization reflecting Jerry’s lifelong commitment to reproductive freedom, education, civic engagement, environmental stewardship, public-interest journalism, and community arts.