Austin D. LaClair

Austin D. LaClair, 19, of Bay City, Michigan, passed away on February 18, 2026, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, following a courageous 2 year and 8-month battle with leukemia.

 Born in Bay City on September 5, 2006, Austin was the beloved son of Vanessa LaClair and Joshua Gonzales. From the very beginning, Austin was known for his humor, honesty, and incredibly kind heart. He had a way of making people laugh when they needed it most, and he loved deeply — his family, his friends, and the simple joys that made life meaningful to him. 

Austin adored his dog, Pancake, and gaming on the computer he proudly built himself, and anything the color purple. He loved milkshakes, Fallout, Renaissance Festival adventures (where he was especially proud of buying his first sword), and dreamed of attending Fallout Fan Fest in Goodsprings, Nevada, and visiting the Santa Monica Pier one day.

He was happiest surrounded by the people who loved him. His best friend, Kole, held a special place in his heart. Austin preferred shorts over pants (no matter the weather), loved handing out candy on Halloween, riding his bike, camping, wildlife, and spending time in nature. He appreciated life in its simplest form — good company, fresh air, and shared laughter.

Austin is survived by his loving mother, Vanessa LaClair; his father, Joshua Gonzales; his sisters, Kaylee LaClair, Sophia Gonzales, Penelope Gonzales and brothers, Darian LaClair and Liam Gonzales. Great grandparents Diana LaClair, Edward LaClair, and Norberta Frank; grandparents, Peggy LaClair, Rick LaClair and Daniel Gonzales; aunts, Meghan LaClair, Chelsea Kimmel, Kendra Hartfelder; and uncles, Shane LaClair and Justin Gonzales his extended family; his many friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Mary Jo Frank, great grandmother Sally Klimaszewski.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Gephart Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Austin’s life and the joy he brought to those around him on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to wishes of the family.