ROBERT WINSTON BLAIROn “Thanksgiving Day” Sunday October 8th, 2023, Bob Blair of Penhold passed away peacefully at age 77 in the Red Deer Regional Hospital.

Bob is survived by his Wife Yvonne, 1 sister Lois (Keith) Kyle, Salmon Arm, B.C., 2 brothers Warren Blair, and Mervin (Donna) Blair, Penhold, brother in-law Brian Ritchie, Edmonton, sister-in-law Jo-Anne Hallman-Campbell (Time Campbell), Red Deer, and Cousin Jim (Jan) Hallman, Caroline. He will be forever cherished by his nieces and nephews; Richard (Carrie) Kyle, David (Emily) Kyle, Glen (Deanna) Kyle; Darcy (Nicole) Blair, Darren (Kristy) Blair, Dianna Blair (Todd Picketts); Joel Blair, Alisha (Doug) Toepfer, Aaron (Alison) Blair; Cameron (Anita) Ritchie, Kaela (Kevin) Clark, Sean Ritchie; Mark (Julie) Hallman, Paul (Melissa) Hallman, Adam (Kate) Hallman, Peter (Cei-Anna) Hallman, Seth (Bailey) Hallman, Joseph Hallman; Wesley (Laura) Hallman, Lindsay (Jeremy) Shemas, Heidi (Jeffree) Roy, Josiah Hallman and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews, other family members, his wonderful caregivers and his dog Bentley all of whom he dearly loved.

Bob was predeceased by his previous wife Marilyn Blair, parents Charlie and Evelyn Blair, sister Maridel Ritchie, cousin Bruce Hallman, and sister in law Gloria Blair.

Bob was born January 14th, 1946, to Charlie and Evelyn Blair in the Red Deer Hospital. He was the 2nd child of 5, two cousins Bruce and Jim Hallman were welcomed into Blair family at a very young age making a family of 7. Bob took his elementary schooling in Penhold as did his 6 siblings. He attended Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School in Red Deer. In grade 12 Bob drove the school bus morning and night.

As a young boy he took part in the Red Deer 4-H Dairy Club where he was happy to take home a few awards. Church on Sunday was a regular thing. In the summers he attended Camp Harmattan church camp. Bob and his 4 bothers (Merv, Warren, Bruce, Jim) were well known hockey players in the Central Alberta area. Many an hour was spent in the hay loft, building a hockey arena with bales for a game of shinny. Being the competitive boys they were, there had to have been a few scuffles and bruises, only to go back the next evening and do it all over again. Bob, Merv, and Warren all played on the same team in the commercial hockey league for Boarder Paving. Bob also played with the Innisfail Eagles and Pontiac Men’s league. He enjoyed curling with his good neighbour Charlie Newton. I’m sure many a story was shared along with a good hardy laugh and occasionally a late-night steak at the Newton’s, so I’ve heard. Bob was a exceptionally kind person, always there to help a friend in need, lending out equipment to get a job done with no expectation of being repaid or repaired. He loved to socialize, dance, and have a good laugh whether it be with family, neighbours or even someone he just met. He was generous to a fault and always had time for everyone.

Bob attended Olds College of Agriculture, graduating in 1970 and spent the following two years working for the Dairy Branch, Dept. of Agriculture in Edmonton before returning to the family farm. In 1975 he married Marilyn Roesti of Bashaw. In 1996 they built their dream home east of the farm and moved in the following year. Shortly after moving in Marilyn passed away from cancer. While living in Red Deer, for 23 years he commuted twice a day to the family dairy farm milking at 5am and 5pm. It doesn’t seem like much in today’s world but 55 years ago it was a distance.

Charlie started the dairy with his beloved Jersey Herd, which Bob respectfully (over time) replaced with the more profitable Holstein Breed. Clover Lea Farm along with the dairy consisted of a large feedlot and grain operation. At 50 he was done milking, sold the dairy and focused on the feedlot and grain business. Farming was Bob’s life. The auction market was where he loved to gather with his farming friends to enjoy their company, gain knowledge, and share many stories. His passion was to be out on his land working the dirt and watching his crops flourish. He loved his John Deere equipment ranging from small lawn mowers to large combines. Green and yellow were his colours. Bob was a steward of the land, and it showed in his love of agriculture. He had a keen eye for land, equipment, and good-looking cattle (sure loved those tan calves). During crop season Bob would have that handy van touring through the fields like it was a 4×4: running for parts, bringing coffee and meals out, or just checking to see how everything and everyone was doing. A challenge for his caregivers and their driving skills.

In 2001 Bob met Yvonne Reglin who worked beside him for many years on the farm operation. On June 1st, 2002, Bob had a life-changing accident. Yvonne stayed by his side advocating to make sure his wishes of returning and being cared for in his own home were met. They were married on August 29, 2009. With love and care from Yvonne and his many caregivers, Bob was able to manage the farm and live his “new normal” life for another 21 years. All done with courage, grit and that infectious smile. He used up to date farm practices with an optimistic outlook. He did not let his disability get in his way; attending Rebels games, pony chucks in Red Deer, Daines Rodeo, Calgary Stampede, Big Valley Jamboree, and the list is endless….

Cameron Ritchie Bob’s nephew wrote an essay about an influential person in his life. He chose Uncle Bob. Here are a couple excerpts from his essay.

“from this early bond I grew to respect the many qualities that Bob exemplified every day. I witnessed the respect he showed everyone he dealt with in both his business and personal life, and the way he was able to make every situation a positive one. These were just the beginning of the many great lessons I would learn from my uncle Bob.”

“It was in his most vulnerable state that the true Bob shone through brighter than ever. He showed immense character, hope, and willpower, all the while remaining as cheerful as ever. “

“My uncle has always had a strong influence on my life, but it has been in these last four years that he taught me so much. I have learned to never take anything for granted and to value everyone and everything you have.

Most importantly he has shown me how to deal with adversity, with character and poise. I have learned that from every event in life there is something to learn. I can only hope that someday I grow up to be the man my uncle is.”

Anyone who had the privilege to know Bob knows what an inspiration he was. He had a generous spirit; he loved his family, and he had a precious smile that was a gift he gave to all. He will be missed by so many; his memory will live on.

Celebration of Life will be held October 30th, 2023, 2:00pm, at CrossRoads Church, 38105 Rg Rd 275, Red Deer County. Lunch to follow.

A private burial will take place prior to the service.
If friends desire memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

• Date : 2023-10-08
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home