Dean Howard Blair
Sept 14, 1929 -
May 1, 2020
Dean Howard Blair, age 90, passed away on May 1, 2020, at home in Anchorage, Alaska. Born on Sept. 14, 1929, at home in Burley, Idaho, to Sophus Edward and Agnes Jensine (Christensen) Blair, he grew up on a farm first in Burley and then in Buhl, graduating from Buhl High School. Then, he attended and graduated from the University of Idaho. His ROTC experience lead him to join the Air Force.
He is credited with 34 years of distinguished service in the Air Force and is a Vietnam veteran. Some of his more unique experiences were getting to know the original astronauts in the early days of the space program, escorting actor Jimmy Stewart while filming "Strategic Air Command," and meeting U.S. Senators and Congressmen during his Pentagon assignment.
His many assignments took him all over the country. He and his wife Elizabeth arrived in Anchorage in July 1982, and have lived in the same house ever since. Upon retirement from active duty in 1985 as Personnel Director for both the military and the civilian personnel at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Dean became active in property management and real estate until his second retirement in 2019.
Friends and family remember him for the twinkle in his blue eyes and his kind smile, his respect, honor and care for others, for being a caring son and a good father, for his dancing, card playing and making sure everyone had a good time at social gatherings. He was very family-oriented and kept in touch with family and friends all over, including cousins in Denmark.
Dean attended both the Methodist Church and Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage. Though he is not with us anymore on Earth, his spirit will remain with us. "To be absent from this world is to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8 We love you Dean. Until we meet again.
Dean is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Johnnie Edward Blair. He is survived by his wife of 42 plus years, Elizabeth Jayne (Skowron); three children, Vickie Kay Speir, Robert Howard Blair and Charles William Blair all of Texas; two sisters, Lileth Virginia Randall of Utah and Mildred Lorene Blaser of Idaho; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Burial was May 11, 2020, beside his parents in Sunset Memorial Park in Twin Falls, Idaho. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a memorial service and celebration of life will be later.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Anchorage, 2612 E Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99508; or University of Idaho Foundation, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Dr, Moscow, ID 83843-9960.
