Byron LeClair left an abiding legacy: economic developer empowered First Nation communities in energy, natural resource partnerships.

• Position: FORESTRY

Byron LeClair, an energetic and enterprising Northern leader in First Nation economic development, died suddenly on July 26.

The member of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (formerly Pic River First Nation) was 49. He was buried Aug. 1 in the Pic River cemetery.

For more than 27 years, LeClair served as president and CEO of Pic River Energy and Forestry, a community-owned resource development company, on the north shore of Lake Superior.

He steered the growth of this venture to three hydro-electric generating stations with assets valued at $125 million.

"It is such a tragic loss of a real economic development dynamo," said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee in a July 28 statement.

Byron did so much for his community whether he was serving on chief and council or trying to grow the economic development locally or on a larger scale. He did so much for the economic development in his community from hydro projects, to forestry, to mining. He was truly one of the most dynamic economic development advocates I have ever seen.

"My deepest condolences go to his wife Rhonda, all of his children and grandchildren, but also to his friends, business partners, and fellow community members. He will surely be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him."

An influential figure in the formulation of Ontario's energy procurement policies, LeClair worked with five neighbouring communities to partner on a transmission line project.

He was also active politically, serving as chief and councillor with his home community for eight years.

Before leaving his post with Pic River in April 2016 to pursue a consulting career, LeClair helped established Mkwa Timber, the band's fledgling forestry company, to begin harvesting wood off its traditional land with the aim to start supplying area forestry mills.

In 2016, LeClair established First Nations Resource Management, offering advice to First Nation communities engaged in...