1935
Ian
2017
Ian David Blair
May 9, 1935 — May 1, 2017
BLAIR, Ian David
Ian David Blair passed away Monday morning May 1, 2017. Ian was born in Boston on May 9th, 1935, the fourth son of Neil and Christina Blair, Scottish immigrants with a proud heritage. He graduated from Boston Technical High School. After two years at Tufts University, he served in the United States Army, stationed in San Francisco. Returning to Boston, he was employed in sales by the Marsh Company. There he met his one true love, Priscilla Todd, whom he married in 1962. Five years later Ian accepted a position with the A.M. Todd Company which brought the Blairs to Kalamazoo. As Vice-President and head of European sales, he traveled abroad frequently. He also took pleasure in vacations with his children and reunions with his extended family. Ian revered his brothers and maintained a close relationship with them through the years. Well-read and philosophical, he sparked lively conversation and political debate. Friends will remember him as a witty raconteur and the designated song leader at Christmas parties. He played at golf and enjoyed bowling with his team. After 33 years at the Todd Company, he enjoyed an 11-year post-retirement consultancy role with the Italian confectioner, Perfetti Van Melle. Often teased for his attempts at frugality, Ian had a truly generous spirit demonstrated by his work in the community: President of the SLD Center; Board member of the LIFT Foundation; Board member of the Kalamazoo Drug Treatment Court Foundation; Board member of My Own Home; instrumental in the development of Pride Place, supporting and housing unwed mothers pursuing higher education; and unofficial historian of the Todd Company and of the Kalamazoo Historic Conservancy for the Preservation of Art. Ian leaves a family who adored him and looked to him for wise counsel: his wife and partner, Priscilla; his devoted children, Elizabeth Blair of Nantucket, MA, Sarah (Dave) Hart of West Simsbury, CT, Ian D. (Casey) Blair of Kalamazoo; adored grandchildren Whitney Jennison, Robert Bretschneider, Maggie, Anna and Andrew Hart, Cate, Ian and Charlie Blair and their mother, Michelle Newton Blair; his beloved brother Neil Blair of Sandwich, MA; many nieces and nephews; in-laws John (Jane) Todd of Kalamazoo and Henry (Pam) Todd of Falls River, CT; sisters-in-law, Connie Blair and Charlotte Blair; and a wide circle of close friends. All will miss his warmth and intellect. Ian is predeceased by his brothers Hector Blair of Schnectady, NY and James Blair of Alexandria, VA and sister-in-law, Ellie Blair.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kalamazoo First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South Street. Rather than flowers, donations may be made to the SLD Center, Pretty Lake Camp or Ministry with Community.
Kalamazoo, MI, US
Ian David Blair passed away Monday morning May 1, 2017. Ian was born in Boston on May 9th, 1935, the fourth son of Neil and Christina Blair, Scottish immigrants with a proud heritage. He graduated from Boston Technical High School. After two years at Tufts University, he served in the United States Army, stationed in San Francisco. Returning to Boston, he was employed in sales by the Marsh Company. There he met his one true love, Priscilla Todd, whom he married in 1962. Five years later Ian accepted a position with the A.M. Todd Company which brought the Blairs to Kalamazoo. As Vice-President and head of European sales, he traveled abroad frequently. He also took pleasure in vacations with his children and reunions with his extended family. Ian revered his brothers and maintained a close relationship with them through the years. Well-read and philosophical, he sparked lively conversation and political debate. Friends will remember him as a witty raconteur and the designated song leader at Christmas parties. He played at golf and enjoyed bowling with his team. After 33 years at the Todd Company, he enjoyed an 11-year post-retirement consultancy role with the Italian confectioner, Perfetti Van Melle. Often teased for his attempts at frugality, Ian had a truly generous spirit demonstrated by his work in the community: President of the SLD Center; Board member of the LIFT Foundation; Board member of the Kalamazoo Drug Treatment Court Foundation; Board member of My Own Home; instrumental in the development of Pride Place, supporting and housing unwed mothers pursuing higher education; and unofficial historian of the Todd Company and of the Kalamazoo Historic Conservancy for the Preservation of Art. Ian leaves a family who adored him and looked to him for wise counsel: his wife and partner, Priscilla; his devoted children, Elizabeth Blair of Nantucket, MA, Sarah (Dave) Hart of West Simsbury, CT, Ian D. (Casey) Blair of Kalamazoo; adored grandchildren Whitney Jennison, Robert Bretschneider, Maggie, Anna and Andrew Hart, Cate, Ian and Charlie Blair and their mother, Michelle Newton Blair; his beloved brother Neil Blair of Sandwich, MA; many nieces and nephews; in-laws John (Jane) Todd of Kalamazoo and Henry (Pam) Todd of Falls River, CT; sisters-in-law, Connie Blair and Charlotte Blair; and a wide circle of close friends. All will miss his warmth and intellect. Ian is predeceased by his brothers Hector Blair of Schnectady, NY and James Blair of Alexandria, VA and sister-in-law, Ellie Blair.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kalamazoo First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South Street. Rather than flowers, donations may be made to the SLD Center, Pretty Lake Camp or Ministry with Community.
Memorial Service
MAY 6. 02:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church of KalamazooKalamazoo, MI, US
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