Death Notices PAID PRINTED OBITUARY
C. Paul Blair
August 21, 1933 ~ December 14, 2017
Carrell Paul Blair died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017. He was 84 years old.
Paul was born in Bradleyville, Missouri, to Amy and Delphia Blair. He had three brothers, Rudolph, Milo and James (Jim); and one sister, Mary Margaret. In 1943, the family moved to Woodland, Washington, where Paul’s father worked in the logging industry. Sadly, his oldest brother, Rudolph, was killed in a sawmill accident in 1950, at the age of 21. Three years later, their beloved mother died from cancer. In 1952, Paul graduated from Woodland High School, and entered the United States Navy. He was sent to the Naval Training Center in San Diego, California, where upon completion of his training, he was chosen as honor man of his company. Paul served in the Korean War, and was stationed at Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay. He was assigned to the USS Belle, as a radar man, and visited many ports in Southeast Asia. On Jan. 7, 1954, Paul married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Jean Becker (Nottingham) in San Lorenzo, CA.
At the completion of Paul’s military service, he and Bev moved to Spokane, Washington, while Paul attended Eastern Washington University. Their first child, Glenn Jerome Blair, was born there in 1958. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in education in 1960, the family traveled across country to a university in Virginia, where Paul began his graduate studies. They thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the southern culture, and made many friends there! After a year, the family returned to the Northwest, and moved to Portland, Oregon, where Paul had his first teaching job. During this time, he also attended Portland State University, where he finished his Master’s degree in education, with emphasis on psychology/counseling. In 1961, their second child, Sandra Kay Blair was born.
In 1967, the family moved to Camas, where he went to work at JDZ Middle School, as a science and math teacher, counselor and assistant principal. He participated in outdoor school, 8th grade field trips to Mount St. Helen’s Ape Caves and Lahar, and was a coach for Special Olympics for handicapped/disabled students in Clark County. For over two decades, Paul enlightened and inspired Camas youth, although he was probably best remembered for his storytelling skills. He had an amazing ability to remember the names of most of his (now grown) students, though many today admit that they saw Mr. Blair most often when they were sent to the principal’s office for questionable behavior! But he was known as a fair (and sometimes creative…?) disciplinarian, and as school counselor, was always available to listen and advise, when needed. He retired in 1992, after 25 years with Camas School District.
As his children grew, Paul encouraged and supported them in sports, band, choir, dance lessons, cheerleading — whatever their passion, he was always there to cheer them on! They took summer driving trips across the US, including later to Pullman, Washington, to attend football games at WSU, with Glenn; and driving Sandra to Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. Paul was never a fan of air travel, but he bravely accompanied Bev and friends on a trip to Hawaii, and had a great time! Later, beach trips and camping in the RV with his three grandchildren, Rebecca, Hannah and Eli, during spring break and summer vacations. He was The Best Grandpa in the Whole World!!
In 1987, Paul’s son Glenn was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and in 1991, he bravely chose to go on a ventilator. Paul and Bev opened their home to Glenn, Corrinne and Rebecca, and all the equipment and nurses that were required to keep him going. Because of his parent’s absolute faith and loving support, Glenn lived 24 years with ALS. Paul was a devoted caregiver, and was at his side when Glenn’s journey came to an end in 2011.
