Richard E. Blair, age 76, of West Bend, passed away after a brief illness on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at his home with his family by his side.
He was born on February 8, 1934 in Oshkosh to the late James and Bessie (nee Lind) Blair. Richard graduated from Oshkosh High School in the class of 1952. He served his country honorably from 1952-1956 in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Germany. On March 20, 1959, he was united in marriage to Barbara Suelflow at Peace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. Richard attended Wisconsin State Teacher's College in Oshkosh where he earned a B.S. in Liberal Arts and a B.S. in Education. He started his career as a High School English teacher in Portage. From 1964-2000 he worked as a Sales Representative for various educational Publishers. Richard was a member and past president of the Wisconsin Educational Representatives Association.
During their 51 plus years of marriage, the Blair's lived in Oshkosh, Portage, Elgin, IL, Hartford, Beaver Dam, and for the past 34 years in West Bend.
Richard was known for his dry sense of humor and his fondness for the art of the pun. He was an avid Green Bay Packer and Milwaukee Brewer fan. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren's sports activities, having coached his own sons. He also enjoyed his post retirement job; the fall of the year; his family dogs; fishing; reading and going to Costco, along with his passion for buying and selling cars.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two sons, Rob (Linda) Blair and Rich (Lisa) Blair, both of Jackson; six grandchildren, Ryan (Angie), Alex, Marty, Jacob, Jennifer, and Austin Blair; two great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Izzy Blair; a sister, Lois (George) Blitz of Oshkosh; other relatives and friends.
In accordance with Richard's wishes a private family memorial service will be held. Myrhum - Patten Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family.
Memorials to the family, the MACC fund, or Friends of Autism, are appreciated.
The family wishes to extend their thanks to Aurora VNA/Hospice, especially Shelley, for their assistance and guidance.