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About
Kurt Blair Obituary
Mountains played a central theme in Kurt's life. His grandfather, Robert W. Blair Sr., and father, Robert W. Blair Jr., both have significant first ascents in their name, and Kurt followed eagerly in their footsteps, climbing peaks all around the American west and across the globe. In his last seven years he earned his International Federation of Mountain Guides certification, which is held by fewer than two hundred guides in America. He was living his dream of international guiding when he passed. Kurt was regarded by his guiding colleagues as being imminently knowledgeable and skilled, as well as being the most enthusiastic mountain spirit they had encountered. His humility, kindness and accessibility were widely recognized by his clients and fellow guides.
Kurt grew up in Durango, Colorado, studied at Reed College and the Colorado School of Mines, and worked in Information Technology until 2015 before beginning his guiding career.
Helping others was in his spirit, and friends and family remember his many acts of kindness and generosity. He sent gifts to his friends' children, let people live with him in time of transition, and generously offered hours of mentorship and problem solving to friends, family and fellow guide aspirants. He made every effort to spend time with his mother and sons, and was a pillar of strength and source of love and inspiration for his family.
A celebration of life is planned for him on January 11, 2025, at the Durango Rec Center, 3-5 pm. He remains a bright light in his guiding community, friends and family, and is loved and missed very much by all.
For a full obituary and information about donating to the Kurt Blair Pursuit of Passions Award please visit: https://sites.google.com/view/kurt-blair/home
Memories and Condolences
for Kurt Blair
2 Entries
Douglas Hagan
January 5, 2025
Kurt Blair Memories and Thoughts
I had the good fortune to work with Kurt starting the summer of 2020. He guided my son, Matt, and myself on the four Chicago Basin 14ers and Jupiter Mountain and 2 weeks later the El Diente Peak-Mt. Wilson traverse.
He was such an amazing guide the he became my "go to" for all my future San Juan guided trips. From the summer of 2020 through the summer of 2023, we successfully summited Teakettle Mountain/Coffeepot/Potosi Peak, Dallas Peak, Ruby Creek Drainage 13ers (Pigeon Peak, Turret Peak, Monitor Peak, Peak Thirteen, Animas Mountain, Peak Fifteen and Peak Sixteen), Chicago Basin area 13ers (Sunlight Spire, Grizzly Peak C, McCauley Peak, Hope Mountain, Peak Eleven, Twin Thumbs North, Twin Thumbs South and Peak Eighteen), PEMA and Lizard Head. We also did a "friendly" unguided climb of Lightning Pyramid and Thunder Pyramid in September 2021 with Jill McCarthy and myself.
I have worked with various guides around Colorado and guides in WA, OR, WY, and MT. He was "hands down" my favorite guide to work with.
He was always pleasant, patient, friendly, and easy to chat with on the trail. He had a sincere desire to teach mountaineering skills and was always open to questions. I was so excited when he became an IFMGA/AMGA Mountain Guide. He had worked very hard for this and was obviously deserving of this high honor.
I had hoped to do future guided adventures with him. I am definitely a better person for having known him.
My condolences to his family, San Juan Mountain Guides and all the people who were lucky enough to know and work with him. He will be deeply missed.
Doug Hagan
sue Dillman
December 18, 2024
To Pat, Katrina, Dylan and Galen,
My Deepest sympathy to all of you , and I know his legacy will live on thru his children, sister and Mom, Pat, who is one of my dearest friends. I knew Kurt and loved all his knowledge of the mountains and all of his wonderful adventures. My heart and love go out to all of you. love and Blessings, Sue
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