Virgil Albert Blair
November 26, 1942 - October 18, 2012
An amazing man left us on October 18th, 2012. He won the battle with Leukemia, only to lose the war with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Virgil was born in Pocatello, Idaho, to wonderful parents Wendell Lucherini Blair and Emma Genevieve Whitworth Blair on Thanksgiving Day, November 26th, 1942.
Virgil was employed with Acme Crane, 17 years, followed by 18 years with Operating Engineers, Local 3 and retired as a Business Agent. Always ready to take on a new adventure, Virgil became the Salt Lake City Chapter Chairman for the Retirees of Local 3, also, he worked for the Utah State Senate Security for 12 years and retired as the Assistant Sgt. of Arms. Virgil worked in the Department of Elections for 6 years. He was a long time member of the International Footprinters and volunteer for The Utah Family Foundation.
Virgil was a sweet, sincere, honest, compassionate man, who always had a deep laugh and a twinkle in his eye.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Paulette; son Troy; daughter-in-law Carol; and especially the love of his life, grandson Denver Blair. Also survived by his children from a previous marriage Vance, Brian, Wendy, Teresa; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Virgil shared a great love and closeness with his brothers Hal (Jane), Keith (Delia, deceased) and Earl (Kris). They enjoyed many camping trips, which always included several rounds of golf and playing cards.
He was committed to his faith, his Godparents Thomas and Mary Louise Judd, Godchildren Christopher Bueno, Jashea Migliori, Denver Blair and Marshea Marvidakis.
Preceded in death by his parents; sister Julia Fay Winn; son from a previous marriage Barry; and stepson Sgt. Todd Smit.
A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, October 23rd from 6 to 8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 24th at 11:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 E. Spring Lane, Salt Lake City. Burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Ave. and “T” Street, Salt Lake City.
The family extends our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Thomas Barman, Dr. L. Wilkinson, Dr. David Petersen, Dr. Mark Bromberg and staff, Virgil’s nurse and Angel Melissa White, and Hospice for their tremendous support. A very special thank you to our family, friends and neighbors for all of your help and compassion.
Our hero, our dearest love, you will never be forgotten! It is what it is.
In Loving Memory
He was such a loving man, he would do anything for family, friends and neighbors Which we where blessed to call him a friend and great neighbor for over 17 years. He will be dearly missed by everyone, including us. He and Paulette watched our children grow and thrive. He was a grt mentor to our son. Will miss you Virg very very much!!! Paulette, our hearts and thoughts are with you always, Troy and Denver as well.
Samantha Watnes
Murray, Ut
He will be missed by more people than any buddy will ever know he was one of the nicest guys most of us have ever met if he could he would he was a great dad I try to treat my son like he treated me I will think of him every day for the rest of my life I try to treat every buddy like he treated every buddy if there was more people like him the world it would be a better place I cant stand to think I will never see him again I will never forget the times I spent with him I feel very sorry for you to Paulette thank you for taking care of him for so long while he was sick it had to be hell on you. DAD I HOPE YOU KNEW HOW MUCH WE ALL LOVED YOU
vance blair
westvalley, ut
Brian, Wendy Teresa, Vance All though it has been many years I wanted to offer my condolence to your family. Keeps the fond memories you have of your father close to your heart and they will get you through this difficult time.
Trudy Hodges Gibbons
Kearns, Ut
Dear Paulette, Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Wish I could be there, Please call if you need to talk.Love you girl.Virgil was such a wonderful man and he will be missed
norma lohmeyer
las cruces, ne
Dear Paulette, My heart goes out to you and I pray God will give you great peace, knowing that Virg is no longer in pain nor disabled. I pray you will be comforted and even find joy in the memories of the blessing he was to you -- and always will be. Love, Laurie
Laurie Ballew
West Valley City, Ut
Mrs. Blair: I am sorry to read about/Vergal in the newspaper, My condolances. Verg was a great guy and I enjoyed working with him at the Senate. He always was happy in everytging he did. I would talk about Denver every day we rode together to and from the Stqte CApital. I am very sorry to hear of his passing, but now he is not syffering. Again my condilances.
Roger Winslow
Kaysville, Ut
I agree completely! After years of unpiphaness with a husband, I am thrilled to be unattached. Not because I'm going out with all kinds of crazy, beautiful men (or women), but because I can finally spend some time giving myself the kind of love and attention I went without for so many years. On Valentine's Day, I'm going out for dinner and a movie with a friend. I've learned that romance is nice, but not necessary. Being good to yourself and your friends really is.
Nicola
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As a non American I often find American TV ads to be a litlte fake, a litlte cheesy, obvious and Hollywood. Where as British ads tend to be a bit more tongue in cheeky, sarcastic or obscure. The Europeans tend to like a lot of naked women in their ads, and the Aussies fall back on sport and real men being men, doing manly things.Did these ads move me? A litlte bit, but they also made me gag. Especially when it comes to the troops. Sadly though I respect they're risking their lives, it's hard to thank them when you don't believe in the cause.Thought provoking stuff. Thanks for posting.
Widi
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Virgil was a great man, he helped me get my first real job, and I will soon retire from that line of work. The world was a better place with Virgil in it. Jon Brower Oakley, Ca
Jon Brower
Oakley, Ca
So that's why the African-American community votes betetr than 90% for Democrats? What you call the "party of racists"? Doesn't that tell you something about maybe Blacks very deliberately avoiding the GOP? If the Democrats were so racist as you apologists claim, you'd certainly expect a lot more Black Republican elected officials but there are NO Black GOP congresspeople and none in our State Legislature either. All the African-Americans there are Democrats - but whiny Republicans try to play their puny race card. Go up to 38th and Meridian and start telling African-Americans how racist the Democrats are and how welcoming the GOP is - you will be laughed at (if folk are polite).By the way, take off your hood of anonymity. At this point, you sound like Jocelyn "Deadbeat" Tandy !
Yessenia
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