Rob Blair Obituary

I still think of Rob often. Even though he is not with us any more, his memory lives on.

Rob was a helpful voice of editing for our geologic mapping in the Durango area by the Colorado Geological Survey. He would give helpful suggestions about when I had too much quaternary cover on the maps or when I had too little. We spent much time discussing the local geology that way. I would also meet him on NM Fall field trips and at conferences in Denver. Rob taught me subtle differences in geomorphology and fluvial characteristics I never knew before. Such a nice man, one of the good ones. I will miss him. CC

I had the privilege of meeting Rob on a field trip, knowing him through the FCGS, and visiting his Mountain Studies Institute in Silverton. I am thankful for his kindness and giving spirit.
He will always be an inspiration.

My sincere condolences to the family of Rob. May the many wonderful memories of Rob bring you comfort and peace. Our God of love has promised to strengthen us during such difficult times. (1 Peter 5:6, 7)

I met Pat Blair a month or so before I met Rob when I painted the refrigerator (or was it the freezer?) at the Food Co-op in Durango where she was a driving force to see that the Co-op would succeed.
I met Rob my freshman year in the fall of 1974 on a pre-ski season run when he would come out and run 18-milers with the FLC X-C ski team. Rob was not only the geology professor with the most enthusiasm and energy, but introduced me to many in his large circle of friends that included people like geologist and 5-time Pike's Peak Marathon winner Rick Trujillo, mountaineer/mountain runner/ computer programmer Jerry Roach, and ultra-marathoner /U of Ariz professor of atmospheric physics Ken Young.
Rob and I logged numerous hours of bicycle, running, and X-C skiing miles together during my 4 years at FLC. The conversations we had on those runs covered every topic of interest to mankind although Rob had a talent for turning conversations back to geology. He and Rick Trujillo invited me along to run the Grand Canyon with them in 1977. I believe the run was conceived by Rick and Rob and I am fairly certain I'm correct in saying that we were the first to attempt a Grand Canyon double traverse. Driving to a fair number of races and running destinations with Rob, I felt lucky to have so much of his time one-on-one.
That said, there was one time while at Rob's house, an 8-year-old Kurt was setting pieces out on a chess board. Rob encouraged me to play Kurt a game of chess. Kurt easily beat me and I couldn't help but notice Rob, trying not to show it, but beaming with pride over his son's accomplishment. I didn't get over it until years later when I heard what a hot-shot scientist Kurt had become (hey, who could have beaten an 8-year-old Einstein in a game of chess?).
After graduating FLC I lived in the Denver area and my Geology work took me to the Durango area a few times in the 1990s. On those trips I connected with Rob Blair and Tom Norton and we'd go out on a mountain bike ride or an X-C ski. I was in great shape but it was hard to keep up with those two!
When I heard of Rob's passing I immediately thought of the Fire and Rain lyrics "but I always thought I'd see you again". Rob's friendship during my years in Colorado meant a great deal to me and I'm sorry that the memorial service is so far from my home here in Washington State and that I won't be able to attend.
Pat, Kurt and Katrina--that Rob Blair guy was one of the best I've had the privilege of knowing.
Will Whiton (FLC Geo 1978)

My deepest condolences go out to Robert Blair's family, I had the privilege to meet him in my Environmental Geology class last semester and he was my inspiration along with my teacher to take the physical geology course.

Rob was a great geologist and a great man who contributed to our profession and his community in so many ways. He was a wonderful colleague, mentor, and friend to me over the years I spent in the Four Corners region. His works will definitely live on! My sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and FLC colleagues.

My deepest condolences. I was Rob's colleague for many years at FLC. I warmly remember his friendship and collegiality. He was always ready to help you. He will be missed.

Dr. Blair was a special professor. I remember fondly the New Zealand field trip of 1982!

I am truly sorry for your loss. Rob was an inspiration, a great teacher, fun to travel with and a kind, kind man. Mark Brubaker BS Geology 1980

I am very sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Rob on field trips. He was a great teacher and great guy to travel with. I was part of his first FLC expedition to New Zealand and enjoyed every minute of the trip. He will be missed.


Bryan Cherry

I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May our Heavenly Father provide strength and comfort to your family during this time of grief. "For he is near to those broken at heart ". Ps 34:17,18.

Pat, Kurt and Katrina, What a shock to hear that your father/husband past away. Phyllis and I have so many memories of you and your family, Pat. We were the initial residents in Falls Creek and drove by Katrina's house daily and visited with those at Turtle Lake vegies at the farmer's market, etc. Pat, Phyllis and I knew Rob so well at Fort Lewis. It seems like I just talked to him a few days ago and I will always remember his voice and kindness.
Phyllis and I moved from Durango about 6 months ago and now live in Mexico. His memories live with us here as well.

Barney and Phyllis Anderson

Some of the best geology classes I had at Fort Lewis College in the 1970s were taught by Rob. He had a wonderful intellect, an excellent understanding of geoscience, and the patience and ability to educate. Some of the best horseshoe games (won and lost) were against Rob at Four Corners Geological Society picnics. He will be sorely missed.

Charles Head (FLC '78)