Philip Gene Blair
1920 - 2010 (90 years)
Generation: 1
1. Philip Gene Blair was born on 27 Feb 1920 in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington; died on 11 Dec 2010 in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington; was buried in Fort Vancouver Military Cemetery, Vancouver, Clark County, Washington. Notes:
Phil was respected and cherished by all his relatives and friends for his wisdom, common sense and good humor. He set an example for us all in how he lived."
Philip Gene Blair passed away December 11, 2010 in Vancouver, Washington. He was born in Vancouver at home on East Mill Plain to Fred and Maude Blair February 27, 1920. He attended Mill Plain County schools and graduated from Union High school in 1938 and later from Linfield College with a Master's degree in education.
Phil entered the Army Air corps during WW II and served as a B-26 Marauder pilot flying 72 missions out of England. During the Korean War he served as a pilot adjusting artillery fire and flying VIP's. Phil spent 30 years in the Army National Guard, flying fix winged aircraft and helicopters.
In between the two wars, Phil and his brother Don operated a flying business and managed Pearson Field.
He was a science teacher at Madison High School in Portland, Oregon for many years and during the summers flew for the Forest Service working full time with them after retiring from teaching.
Surviving relatives include three sons: Steve (Barbra Jo) of Port Townsend, WA, Don (Kath) of Carnation, WA, Joe (Lynn) of Camas, WA; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death in March by his wife, Jean, of 65 years.
We would like to thank his caregivers Diana, Nijole, Lydia and Community Home Health and Hospice for their friendship and professional care during his last months.
A memorial service will be held for Phil at the Pearson Air Museum on Saturday, January 15th at 3:00 p.m. where he will receive Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association in Phil's name by calling 1-800-342-2383.
Published in The Columbian on January 9, 2011
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/96561518/philip-gene-blairPhilip married Illah Jean Myers on 23 Aug 1944 in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington. Illah (daughter of William Loren Myers and Nina Irene Cassity) was born on 20 Jun 1923 in Mendota, Putnam County, Missouri; died on 4 Mar 2019 in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington; was buried in Fort Vancouver Military Cemetery, Vancouver, Clark County, Washington. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]