Robert K. Blair, better known as "Bob" to his family and friends, was born August 30, 1910 in Pierce, Nebraska, the son of Thomas and Katherine (Ottman) Blair. At the age of nine months, he moved with his family to a ranch above Cedar Pass in the Badlands of South Dakota. He grew up in the Cottonwood area and received his education in that community. As a young man he started ranching for himself on a ranch southeast of Cottonwood.
Bob was united in marriage to Inga C. Olson on December 22, 1932 in Philip, South Dakota. They made their home on the ranch southeast of Cottonwood until 1942 when they moved to the Hoag Ranch southeast of the Cheyenne River bridge where they ranched until 1946 when they moved to their present ranch. They operated the ranch until 2002, when health reasons forced him to retire.
His wife, Inga, preceded him in death on September 17, 2002. In January 2003 he moved into the Philip Nursing Home, where he has since resided.
Bob was a former member of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association.
Grateful for having share his life are two sons, James Blair and his wife Sandra of Pierre, and Kelly Blair of Milesville; a daughter Sandra Gittings and her husband George of Philip; eight grandchildren; Todd Blair and his wife Tamara, Tanya Fillingim and her husband Schon, Tiffanie Wakeley and her husband Brian, Robin Gittings and his wife Penny, Roxie Gittings, Dan Blair, Pam Blair and Theo Blair; ten great-grandchildren; a special friend Jean Snyder of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to his wife Inga, Bob was preceded in death by a grandson Kurt Allen Blair; his parents; five brothers, Charles, Thomas, George, William and John Blair as an infant; and his twin sisters, Grace May and Katherine Amelia Blair as children.
Visitation was held 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the hall on Thursday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 1, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Mark Ford officiating.
Interment was 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the Blair Family Cemetery, Milesville, South Dakota.
A memorial is established.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, June 1, 2006 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Mark Ford
MUSIC
Marianne Frein – Pianist
Barb Bowen – Vocalist
"On Eagles Wings"
"In The Garden"
Theo Blair - Violinist
"Tennessee Waltz"
USHERS
Glen Radway - Mark Radway
Craig Hanrahan – Brian Hanson
PALLBEARERS
Dan Blair – Theo Blair
Todd Blair – Pamela Blair
Roxie Gittings – Robin Gittings
Tiffanie Wakeley – Tanya Fillingim
Trace O’Connell
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Thursday, June 1, 2006 1:00 p.m.
Blair Family Cemetery
Milesville, South Dakota
Take Care Of Yer Friends
Friend is a word that I don’t throw around
Though it’s used and abused, I still like the sound.
I save it for people who’ve done right by me
And I know I can collect if ever need be.
Some of my friends drive big limousines
Own ranches and banks and visit with queens.
And some of my friends are up to their neck
In overdue notes and can’t write a check.
They’re singers or ropers or writers of prose
And others, God bless them can’t blow their own nose.
I guess being friends don’t have nothing to do
With talent or money or knowing who’s who.
It’s a comfterbul feelin’ when you don’t have a care
‘Bout chossin’ your words or bein’ quite fair.
Cause friends’ll just listen and let go on by
Those words you don’t mean and not bat an eye.
It make a friend happy to see you success
They’re proud of yer good side and forgive all the rest.
And that ain’t easy, all of the time
Sometimes you get crazy and seem to go blind.
Yer friend just might have to take you on home
Or remind you sometime that you’re not alone.
Or ever so gently pull you back to the ground
When you think you can fly with no one around.
A hug or a shake, whichever seems right
Is the high point of givin’, I’ll tellya tonight.
All worldly riches and tributes of men
Can’t hold a candle to the worth of a friend.
- Baxter Black
Guest Book
Bob will greatly missed. He was a very special friend.
~ Larry Schulz
P.O. Box 136, Philip, SD (5/28/2006)
I am saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was a special person in my life that started when I was probably too young to remember. He saved me from my brother and cousin on more than one occasion. He always had a hug for me as well. I don't recall a time that I saw Bob when he didn't remind me he used to bounce me on his knee. I will miss his smile when I stop at the nursing home to see my mom at work. Take care of yourselves and cherish your memories of Bob, I know I will. Stacy
~ Stacy (Radway) Dole
Black Hawk, SD (5/28/2006)
We are sadden to hear of Bob's passing. He was very special, was glad to call him a friend. I always remember the days I took care of him at the nursing home. He always had a smile, a hug and a story to tell everyday. God Bless you all. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. He will be missed.
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler
2130 Ellen St. Lot 4, Sturgis, SD (5/28/2006)
Our prayers and thoughts are with the entire family. We know how special Bob was to his family. May God watch over all during this time of sorrow.
~ Don, Lynette Klumb & Family
Spearfish, SD (5/28/2006)
Kelly and Sandy,
I'm so sorry to hear about your father. He was a great man. I enjoyed working with him everyday. I will always remember how he was so happy and always smiling. I haven't known Bob all my life just for about six years and in those years Bob grew on me like a grandfather and I'm going to miss him greatly.
God be you all in this time and my prayers are with you.
~ Kagee and Preston Formanek
(5/28/2006)
Although I only knew Bob for a few years after I began working in the nursing home, I will never forget him. He always had a warm smile and a bundle of jokes to bless me with. I can not count the many family stories he would tell me; he spoke of you all so highly. He was always so thankful for any ounce of help. His friendly personality and attitude are what helped make my job such a rewarding experience - he was truly a wonderful man. My prayers are with you.
~ Jenna Tolton
(5/28/2006)
Sorry to hear about Bob passing. He will greatly be missed. Our prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
~ Bobby Gene and Tootie Neville
4640 Sturgis Rd. #16, Rapid City, SD (5/28/2006)
I'm so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I remember Bob always being at the Ridge. What a great guy he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Joan (Staben) Enders
Kadoka, SD (5/28/2006)
Sandy, Kelly, Theo, Words cannot express how saddened we are about bob's passing. He was a great man and he will be very missed by all. I remember bringing my children in to the nursing home and Bob would always see them and ask them if they wanted candy and to follow him down to his room to the little wheelbarrow he had on the table to get them some candy. He was so proud of each and everyone of you. May the Lord be with you at this time.
~ Jeremy & Krystal Noteboom and girls
Philip, SD (5/28/2006)
Aunt Sandee and family - Bob was such a great guy. I will always remember the twinkle in his eye. It was always there, from the time I was a little girl to when I would bring Joseph down to see him. He loved people and it showed. He had a happy soul and it was apparent to everyone around him. Keep the memories close as you go through this difficult time.
Kara, Gerry and Joseph
~ Kara Moriarty
Anchorage, AK (5/28/2006)
Kelly, Sandee, Jim and families,
We just want you to know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers with the passing of your father. Bill has always thought so much of both of your parents and enjoyed the time he spent living near them. I have heard him comment so many times what a wonderful couple they were. I know you will have many great memories to carry with you always.
Sincerely,
~ Bill and Marcia Jackson
1609 University Ave. Hot Springs, SD 57747 (5/28/2006)
My sympathies to everyone. I remember all the softball games at Bob and Inga's. He was a good man.
~ Pat Quinn
5769 S. Orleans St. Centennial, CO (5/28/2006)
I was saddened to learn that Bob had passed away. My husband Jerry talked about Bob and what a fine man he was. They would have some good visits at the Philip Nursing Home.
I got to know Bob when going to the Philip Nursing Home to entertain. He always had a smile and a joke or two. I remember him telling an Irish poem this past St. Patrick's day. Oh, how we did laugh. Dorothy Paulson and her monkey and me and my duck will miss his smiling face when we go to the Nursing Home. He was such a joy to be around.
Some people come into your life and leave "Footprints" on your heart and you are never the same. You are happy they are in a better place but you miss them.
May God bless you in your loss,
~ Jerry & Sonia Nemec
Midland, SD (5/28/2006)
Bob always had a twinkle in his eye, a smile and a friendly word. It was our pleasure to have known him over the years and seen what a wonderful fellow he was toward all.
~ Marsha and Bill Sumpter
Kadoka (5/28/2006)
Kelly and Family~
The boys and I enjoyed stopping into Bob's room at the nursing home; he always had the candy dish full and a good story (read LESSON) to tell! He was a lively guy! The boys never hesitated to march right in and say hello! I shared a peach pie with Bob and Joe Price one afternoon and seeing those two eat something homemade and enjoying each other's company is something I will always remember...the stories flew that day! I didn't grow up here, but I can appreciate all the wonderful things I have always heard about Bob and Inga.
God Bless you and keep you.
~ Vonda Hamill
Milesville, SD (5/28/2006)
Dear Kelly and all family, my love and prayers to you on the death of your Father. I know he was a great guy! God Bless,
~ Kay Foland
Rapid City, SD (5/28/2006)
To All of Bob's Family and also the O'Connells:
We are keeping you all in our prayers and thoughts. Bob was a wonderful mentor to many, many people. What an example for us all to live by. May he rest in Peace with Inga at his side. God Bless you all.
~ Bill & Joyce Dustman
Lemmon, SD 57368 (5/28/2006)
I have only worked at the Philip Nursing Home for a year but in that year Bob really became one of my favorites. I know that I as a CNA am not supposed to have "favorites" but it was hard not to like Bob because he was definitely one of the only residents that appreciated every little thing you did for him. I am proud to be known as one of Bob's "Girls" and I will cherish all the moments that I had with him. God Bless your family.
~ Krista Van Lint
P.O. Box 483 (5/28/2006)
As I was driving back for Grandpa's funeral, I heard a song on the radio that made me think of him, and what he might have said in farewell. I also found a couple of Irish blessings that I want to pass along.
One thing's for sure
We're all just passin' through
No we're not gonna live forever
Not me and you
But Lord, I've had a good time
Yes Lord I've had a good good life
I've just one thing to say
This is all that matters anyway
Good friends, good whiskey, and good lovin'
I want to thank you Lord
For givin' me all of them
To get me by
Take my money, take my rings
I'd trade it all for just three things
Good friends, good whiskey, and good lovin'
Remembered Joy
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all...
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss...
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life's been full, I've savoured much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief—
Don't shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there... I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow...
I am the diamond glints on snow...
I am the sunlight on ripened grain...
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of gentle birds in circling flight...
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry—
I am not there... I did not die...
~ Roxie Gittings
Edina, MN (5/28/2006)