William “Bill” Blair
William “Bill” H. Blair, 90, of Hermantown passed away Friday, October 2, 2015 at Viewcrest Health Center. He was born December 25, 1924 to William and Clara Blair in Superior, Wisconsin.
Bill was born and raised in Superior and served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946. He was employed with DeVinck Matson Pontiac and Cadillac before and after serving in WWII.
“I can’t tell you how grateful I was as a teenager and young adult for “Willy”! After dad died he was the man in my family’s life who looked out for us to find a used car when we needed one, and serviced our cars in such a kind and responsible manner. We could trust him to be honest and kind. He was a good friend to my father and uncle, in particular.” Ann Berryhill Arn, Los Angeles, California
Bill owned and operated Blair’s Service Center for many years in Superior and was also one of the co-founders of Northern Airways Inc. A pilot throughout his life who enjoyed every minute of it, he was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), president of the Arrowhead Skating Club at World of Wheels, former member of the Superior City Council, and served as president for the Superior Rotary Club where he held perfect attendance for 48 (or 55 according to some) years.
“All Superior Rotarians awaited Bill’s return from Texas every spring to see his make up slips and hear his stories. He will continue to be missed.” Warren Bender, Superior, Wisconsin
With his wife Carol, Bill wintered in Texas for over 16 years, and they especially enjoyed dancing at polka festivals.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Clara; brother, George; sister, Blanche Wexall; and first wife, Doris M. Blair.
“Bill Blair was an inspiration by example. It is sad to realize that we will no longer see him at Club #40 Rotary meetings, but his spirit will linger for years to come. My condolences to Bill’s family.” Dr. Allen Raffetto, Lake Nebagamon
Bill will be greatly missed by his wife of 21 years, Carol Blair; children, Mary Blair of Minneapolis, Clara (David) Cody of Superior, Julie(Steve) Markon of Ramsey,MN, Carolyn(Bradley) Olson of Gordon, WI, and Chris (Dr. Sharon Hayward) Blair of Stanley, WI; step-children, David MacDonald of Duluth, Keith MacDonald of Hermantown, Brian MacDonald of Duluth, and Cathy (Todd) Porthan of Edina, MN; and 10 grandchildren.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Viewcrest and St. Luke’s Hospice for their loving care.
Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at Bell Brothers Funeral Home, 601 N 56th Ave. W, Duluth. The visitation will continue from 10:00 until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at Christ Lutheran Church, 2415 Ensign Road, Duluth. Interment will be in Augustana Cemetery.
Please leave a memory of Bill or words of support for the family at Bell Brothers Funeral Home.
