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Kurt Roberts MacLeod Blair

Kurt Roberts MacLeod Blair obituary, Durango, CO

Kurt Blair Obituary

Kurt Roberts MacLeod Blair, Age 56 of Durango, Colorado died December 1, 2024 in a climbing accident ascending Mount Cook in New Zealand. He was doing what he loved in one of his favorite places. Kurt was born Feb 11, 1968, in Great Lakes, Illinois. He is survived by his two sons, Dylan and Galen Blair, sister Katrina Blair, and mother, Pat Blair.

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

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Dec. 19, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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Martha Elbert

December 19, 2024

Clan Blair,
Clan Elbert is grieving the passing of our colleague, friend, and auxiliary cool dad. Kurt was always such a pleasure. We awaited a spirited recap of his 2024 adventures over a wee drop. Of that we are so sadly deprived. But we will lift a glass to Kurt and treasure memories of friends gathering and sons growing together into fine men. You are all near and dear to our hearts wherever your roaming takes you.
Martha Elbert

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