Obituary of Donald Milton Robert Blair

July 3, 1942 – Edmonton, Alberta

July 6, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is our greatest sorrow to announce the peaceful passing of our husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Donald Blair, at the Foothills Medical Center on Saturday, July 6, 2024, after a long illness.

Don was the best friend of his wife of 59 years, Judy, and he leaves behind his children, Donna (Peter) Jones, and Rob (Lindsay) Blair; his grandchildren, Amber (Blair) Townsley, Troy Dunn, Alexandra, Robin, and Andrew Blair; and his great-grandchildren, Emily and Angus Townsley.

Don worked for Calgary Power/TransAlta Utilities for 34 years. He was superintendent of Bearspaw and Ghost Hydro Plants when he retired. He enjoyed lawn bowling, skiing, gardening, researching, reading, and many more things. However, his greatest love was his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Judy and Don were married in 1965 in Sherwood Park, AB, and they spent 59 years sharing their lives raising children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was the love of Judy's life and her best friend. She was able to remain by his side when he passed, and the family's heart is eased knowing they had that time together.

They loved to travel together, explore new places, lawn bowling, and celebrating every family member’s accomplishment (dance, martial arts, soccer, baton, and football). He cheered everyone on and even while he was sick, he got himself to games to watch his great-grandchildren. He celebrated his 82nd birthday on July 3 with his daughter and great-grandchildren, with cake and songs.

Don was a quiet man who was often distracted by his own deep thoughts. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a quick-wit, and was always down for a laugh, keeping his family laughing with dry humor until his last day. He was a man who was so proud of his family, that their celebrations were his celebrations too. Don was adored by his wife, and the unwavering foundation for his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a pillar of his family and will be missed greatly.

As per Don's wishes, no service will be held and the family will celebrate his life quietly together.

If friends so desire, please donate to the cause closest to your heart.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Don’s family here.

In living memory of Donald Blair, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.