Henry Blair

Henry Blair, 88, of Langdon, ND passed away on Friday, July 31, 2015 at Maple Manor Care Center in Langdon.

William Henry Blair was born February 24, 1927 to John and Emily (Rutledge) Blair. He grew up on a farm near Maida, ND and attended school in Maida and Langdon. Henry enlisted in the US Navy in 1945 and served as a 3rd Class Mate in the Navy and a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps. After being discharged, Henry worked in Milwaukee for a winter in an iron plant shoveling coal. He attended Wahpeton State School of Science in 1950 and returned home to help on the family farm. Henry married Loella Fae Larson on April 30, 1954. They farmed near Maida until 1963 before moving to Wales. Henry retired from farming in 1989, and he and Loella moved to Langdon. After Loella’s death in 2012, Henry lived in Grand Forks before returning to Langdon to live at MMCC.

Henry and Loella spent many winters in Orange Grove, Texas. Henry loved sports including baseball, bowling, curling, golfing and playing pool. He was also an excellent card player. Henry had a passion for people and started a conversation with everyone he met. He enjoyed a good cup of coffee, a doughnut, and being with friends. He was a member of the Langdon United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #98, Eagles Aerie #3454, and Cavalier County WWII Last Man’s Company.

Henry is survived by his children: Roger (Debra) Blair of West Fargo, ND, Brent (Pam) Blair of North Mankato, MN, Patti Strand of Grand Forks, ND and Craig Blair of Maida, ND; grandchildren: Corey Blair, Shawn (Gail) Blair, Chris (Kara) Blair, Cody (Becky) Blair, Brandon Blair, Jonathan Blair, Thomas Blair, Lori (Jordan) Grundstrom, Michael (Kailey) Potratz and Lindsey Potratz; great-grandchildren: Sam Blair, Colton Blair, Loella Blair, Marissa Grundstrom, and Molly Grundstrom; siblings: Allan (Joy) Blair of Langdon, ND, Violet (Bryce) Underdahl of Boise, ID, John (Evonne) Blair of St. Thomas, ND and Jerel (Betty) Blair of Bartlett, TN; sister-in-law Geraldine Rutledge (Elmer) of Fort Myers, FL; brother-in-law Joe Morgan (Rhena) of Madras, OR; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Loella, his parents, sister Rhena, and brother Elmer.

Henry’s quick wit, his love for children and his caring, quiet presence will be missed by all who love him.

Services will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Langdon, ND. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 4 from 5-7:00 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home in Langdon, ND and for one hour prior to service time at the church on Wednesday. Interment – Lebanon Cemetery, Langdon, ND.