Maj. General Gary C. Blair passed away on March 18th, 2014. He died as he lived, with grace, dignity, and a touch of humor. A man of accomplishment, a man of character and conviction, a man of high moral integrity, a Vietnam veteran, a fighter pilot, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, son, and cheerleader for Jesus Christ, his lord and savior.
Born on November 9, 1938 to Gerald W. Blair and Ruth V. Blair (Knox) of Iowa Falls, Iowa, his first memories were of a world at war, and a country focused on winning and preserving our way of life. He knew then he would someday fly and fly he did not only in fighter jets but in life.
On July 25, 1959 he married Rachel M. Blair (Gallagher) of Great Falls, Montana and for 54 years they would build a life together full of children, adventure, achievements, and always at the ready to lend a helping hand.
Shortly after graduating from Iowa Falls High School, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1957 and after his discharge in 1963, he joined the Montana Air National Guard and received his Navigator wings in 1965 and in 1968 he earned his pilot wings. In 1969, he volunteered and served with the 405th Tactical Fighter Wing, DaNang, Republic of Vietnam and flew 72 combat missions. Following his return from Vietnam, he would hold numerous positions in the Montana Air National Guard and in June of 1985 he assumed command of the 120th Fighter Interceptor Group. Under the Generals command the 120th would garner two Air National Guard Distinguished Unit Flying Awards, two Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, the Air Force Association Outstanding Unit Award, and the Hughes Trophy for the most outstanding fighter unit in the United States Air Force.
Among his accomplishments General Blair was a command pilot with more than 5,000 hours of flying time in the F-102 Delta Dagger, F-106 Delta Dart, and F-16 Fighting Falcon. He is the recipient of 24 awards and decorations including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendations Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Combat Readiness Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters. He completed Air War College in 1979 and in 1982 he was accepted and graduated from the prestigious Industrial College of The Armed Forces.
Our father seldom dwelled on his personal accomplishments or awards, but rather would tell you that his highest honor came from working along, side by side, with the members of the Montana Air National Guard. Their service and dedication to their Country was in his words what it was all about, and as he would say from time to time, those folks from the 60s, 70s, and 80s were simply world class. You weren’t going to find a more talented group of people, singularly focused on making the 120th FIG the best of the best and that is exactly what they did. It was his honor to have been a part of it!
In 1989, General Blair relinquished command of the Montana Air Guard to become the Montana State Adjutant General for the Montana National Guard in Helena Montana under Governor Stephens and in 1991 he was federally promoted to Major General.
After his retirement in 1993, Gary and Rachel turned their attention to family and became full time cheerleaders in spreading the good news about Jesus Christ and continued to do so throughout the rest of his life.
Proceeded in death by his father Gerald, the General leaves behind his wife Lady Rachel, daughter Laura Laposky (Larry) of Helena Montana, her children Shawn Linnell (Susan), Melissa Miner (Mark). Son Gary of Helena Montana, his children Danielle Bullock (Brad), Erica, Jenna, and Rebecca. Son Chad Blair (Kymm) of Whitebear, Minnesota and their children Amber and Andrew. Great Grandchildren; Leighanna, Karlynn, Kade, and Abraham. His mother Ruth, and siblings, Carolyn Bryant (Sherman), Gene Blair (Simone), Virginia Price, Kathy Firman (Pat) and a whole host of nieces and nephews.
As we say farewell to our beloved Patriarch, we will long remember his passion for life, his gift for having long and unending conversations, his willingness to see the good in people and his ever present longing to make the world a better place. Full afterburner papa, it’s been a little bit of HEAVEN!
Visitation will be from noon to 4:00 p.m. Monday, March 24 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the First Lutheran Church, 2231 Broadway. Burial with Military Honors will take place at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, at Fort Harrison, following the memorial service. A reception will be in the fellowship hall at the First Lutheran Church following the burial. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, we would very much appreciate donations be made to First Lutheran Church, 2231 East Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 to help support all the good they do for our community.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday March 24, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday March 25, 2014
First Lutheran Church
2231 Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the memorial service
Tuesday March 25, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the burial
Tuesday March 25, 2014
First Lutheran Church
2231 Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday March 24, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday March 25, 2014
First Lutheran Church
2231 Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the memorial service
Tuesday March 25, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the burial
Tuesday March 25, 2014
First Lutheran Church
2231 Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
John and Sherry Kerns says
Dear Rachel and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at the loss of a wonderful man. Our get togethers in Iowa Falls were so much fun and Gary put so much time and energy in them to make sure all had a great time. Your friends, John and Sherry Kerns
Jay Robertson says
Dear Rachel and family,
My relationship to Gary was primarily within the Air Guard, however we became very good friends due to that. His advice was always a great help to me. I will long remember and appreciate his friendship and mentoring thru the years. He never forgot myself or my wife no matter where we saw him . Jay and Helen Robertson
Willis Coffman CMS (RET) says
Our thoughts & Prayers go out to the family during these trying times.
I had the privilege & pleasure of working with & for Gary for 26 years. His friendship & concern for everyone he came in contact with was amazing. His leadership in the Guard & community guided the 120th to it’s outstanding accomplishments.
Willis & Sharon Coffman
Willis Coffman CMS (RET) says
Our prayers are with you.
Mike Johnson says
Gary, his dad & family have been great friends, I will miss having coffee with him & his brother Duffy at Hy Vee & talking about his dads garden out back of my house when he came to Iowa Falls. Gary will truly be miss all who knew him. Our thoughts & Prayers go out to him & his family. Mike & Cheryl Johnson
Tom & Gayla Bastas says
Rachael and family, we were shocked and saddened by the news of Gary’s death. We know that as he “cut the bonds of earth” he joined the heavenly throng and is undoubtedly flying with Paul, Marty and the rest of the gang. We remember him most as having fun and sharing his wonderful sense of humor with all. He was successful without arrogance and kind without expecting anything back. All our loss is heaven’s gain. God bless you and yours, Tom and Gayla Bastas
Janet(Cookie) and Russell Mason says
Dear Rachel and all the family, what a party must be going on in Heaven with all the Blairs welcoming Gary. He is really going to be missed. My heart goes out to you Rachel. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I admired my older Cuz so much. I thank him for taking Marty under his wing. I loved the way Marty always called him the General. Gary will always remain in your heart & will never leave you Rachel. God Bless. See you when you come to Iowa. Lots of Love.
Cassie Fraser and Family says
Our thoughts and prayers for the family. We are there in spirit to support you all as you all have done for us and so many others. The love shared by Maj. General and his family are always dear to our hearts. He is missed by many. God blessed the world with such a wonderful man and I am so honored to say I got to meet him many times. Sending our love to you all.
Legran and Rosemary Miles says
Dear Blair Family,
So many wonderful memories of times spent with your family in Iowa Falls. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Heaven gained a good man and we have the wonderful memories to hold dear. Special hugs to you Ruth, you are a treasure!
Love from the Miles family.
Frank and Mary Reed says
Dear Rachel and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are going out to all your family at this sad time. We have not been close in distance, but always remember Gary from our youth. He will be missed by all. Love to you and all your family. Frank and Mary Reed
Rickey Baugh says
Dear Blairs and Family,
I always heard of Gary and his many accomplishments while I was in the Air Force and I finally got to meet Gary on Veterans Day in 1992. He would always speak to me when he would return home to visit. I met his daughter and her family while they lived here, as well. We have lost a true Veteran and Hero. When I read the poem “High Flight” I will think of Gary. Our thoughts and prayers are sent to the Blair Family
Rickey Baugh and Family
Keith A Smith says
Rest in Peace cousin Gary. You made us all so proud. Prayers to the entire family.
sandy truax says
Oh my Rachel, I was saddened to hear about Gary, I certainly remember this handsome man looking adoringly at his gal!! You were so lucky. Although I met Gary, Jer was able to chat many times with him at your reunions. He enjoyed those chats.
Marian Houseman says
We are so sorry we won’t be able to make it on Tuesday. Our thoughts are with all of you. What a fine, distinguished life Gary led. He was well lived and well loved, wasn’t he?
Marian Knox Houseman
Sara Danger says
Laura, Larry, Grandma Rachel, and Melissa and Shawn,
Words can not express the heart break I feel for your family. Grandpa Gary touched many many lives. Mine for sure, and I know he meant the world to my girls. I learned so so much from him, at a time in my life when I needed it most. Your family has always been my rock, my world, and my guidance. My heart is filled with saddness for you all. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time and then after as well. We love you all so much. If you need anything at all, you know how to reach us.
With all our love,
Sara, Darl, Tiffany, & Paige. ♥
MSG (ret) James Carver MT ARNG says
Dear Blair Family, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting MG Blair while he was the Adjuant General for the Montana Guard. He was a true gentelman who really cared for the men and woment of the MT Guard. I’ll never forget the time we were doing tank gunnery at Limestone Hills and MG Blair wanted to see the inside of a M1 tank, we were not only glad to have him in our tank but gave him the pleasure of sending a few rounds down range!!!!
Sorry I won’t make the funeral but my thoughs and prayers are with you and your family.
Cleveland Smith says
Dear Rachel, Gary Jr. and family, Having Gary as a friend will always bring great memories to me. His pleasant conversations and humor was appreciated by all who knew him. I will always remember the trip we took to Washington DC for business, not for the business but for the pleasure. Meeting his friends and seeing the sights as only Gary could show them made the trip one I can never forget. He was one of the most generous men I have ever had the pleasure to have known and I am sure he inspired many others to follow by example. My prayers are with you and your family.
David E.B. (DEB) Ward, MG (Ret.) says
Dear Blair Family. Gary and I had similar lives and career paths in that we wer born in the same year, I in Miles City, MT and he in Iowa. I was Commander of the Oregon ANG and also a fighter pilot. We used to meet at Operations forums and ANG Senior Ckommanders Conferences and share our experiences and concerns for our mission, our people and our units. I was impressed by Gary’s dedication and sincerity and always enjoyed how he could interject humor into some of the more serious discussions we were having. Our nation owes a great deal of gratitude for the leadership, dedication and sacrifices that Major General Gary Blair contributed to make this country great.
Andrea Walker says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. We will also miss such a wonderful person. Proud to have a cousin who was such a distinguished and honorable man. Wish I could be there in person but am thinking of all the family in this sad time. I know Gary left a legacy of wonderful memories that will be treasured by all his family. Love and prayers from Andrea, Dan, Andrea and Matthew
Ed White says
I cannot begin to tell you of the memories I have serving in the MTANG with the General. He was a pure delight to work with as a pilot, maintenance officer and commander. but I especially enjoyed the fact I could call him a friend as well. I know he will be missed, but I will always cherish my memories of him. My prayers and thoughts go with you and your family.
Faith says
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Gary. To know him was to love him. Although his passing leaves a great void in our lives, he has left us all with many happy memories. As your family bears the unbearable, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. He will be missed.
Love,
Faith, Barry, Nick and Ari
Mary Ann Gregory says
My sweet tart Rachael I will miss Gary always welcoming me back to the fold with his hugs and smile my prayers are for you and your family. I love you
Dick and Annette Trebesch, Tucson, AZ says
Rachel and Family,
We certatinly were saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. Our hearts go out to you. Gary was a wonderful man and a true gentleman. I had the privilege and pleasure of working with and for Gary . To say he accomplished many great things for the Montana Air National Guard and its people would be a collossal understatement. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Roger A. Hagan says
Rachel and family, My prayers go out to you and yours during this loss. General Blair was awesome to work with and for. I respected his ability to look at the big picture but not forget those of us who contributed to the local mission. He was a visionary and yet a practical leader who could engage all with common sense focus. I will miss his smile and ability to ‘keep it light’ when some of us were way too serious. May God Bless him and you.
TIm, Dianna, and Sarah Jane Sizemore says
One of our family’s fondest memories will always be the church bells playing, our 5 year old daughter singing and swinging, and Gary whistling “Jesus Loves The Little Children” all together and in perfect tune. A special man and wonderful neighbor. We miss him.
Pat Riley says
I only met General Blair one time. I actually only knew him as Adjutant General, but also as some one who worked for him his effects were felt. Taking care of soldiers was something
he did well and he let us know that was what he was about. I was honored to meet him and when I did meet him I knew he was a sincere leader. I will say a prayer for him tonight.
Ray Woolf CMS [ret] says
Rachel and family,
I was shocked and saddened when I heard that Gary had passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It was my pleasure to have work with and for Gary through out his career with the Montana Air National Guard. What a pleasant person to be a round.
Ray Woolf CMS [ret] says
My thoughst and prayers are with you and family
Ronda Mefferd says
Aunt Rachel and family,
I pray you feel God’s presents today!!! Praying and thinking of all of you.. Sending you hugs from Iowa. Love and miss you.
Arlene Morrison says
Rachel and family; I know you are blessed that Gary was in your life, as he was to be in yours. May you find comfort in one another..Love you Rachel GOD BLESS Arlene
Al (Otto) Schmidt and Carolyn says
Rachel and family,
We were saddened to read of Gary’s death and were unable to attend the memorial service since we were out of town until late Monday and did not read the obituary until Tues. morning.
Al enjoyed knowing and serving with Gary in the Guard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Al and Carolyn
JoAnn Santee says
Blair Family: My husband, Jon, was a good friend of Gary all through high school and the years every since. Every time Gary came to Iowa Falls, Jon loved having the chance to visit with him. He thought so very highly of Gary as did I the little I knew him. Of course, the Santees knew his parents very well. I remember his fly-overs in the sky over Iowa Falls. When I saw the obituary in the Iowa Falls paper, there was a tug on my heart strings. So I wanted you to know he was loved by so many and was such a positive influence on my husband. widow Mrs. Jon Santee
Col(Ret) Larry M Goodknight US ARMY says
I spent many wonderful hours at the Blair home as a boy and knew Garry and Duffy well growing up in Iowa Falls. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a good friend and fellow warrior.
COL (Ret) Frank Little says
Rachel and family,
I am very sad to hear of Gary’s passing. He was a special man and someone who I have admired since growing up across the street from in Great Falls. Gary and I shared many of the same passions. We have crossed paths many times over the last forty years and he always had time to talk about family, careers, wrestling, or flying. He was instrumental in helping me find the right path. If Gary’s accomplishments and dedication to God, Family, and Country while here on earth are any indication, I am sure that heaven has found a place for him.
Gary Andrews SMS Retired says
Rachel, The best part of my life was working with Gary at the 120th Fighter Intercepter Group. I rember the great times we had TDY to Jacksonville, Florida in 1974. A fun night we had at the Bambo Luàu restaurant on celebrating Gary & your 20th Wedding Anaversary. He & I had many great times together. His testmoney of his Savior, Jesus Christ was shown in how he treared all the people. I miss him. Thank you for being a great wife.