Obituaries for Jan. 4, 2018

 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.

In 1995, Paul was a cofounder and investor in the family business, Columbia River Coffee Company, with his son-in-law, Steven. They purchased a roaster and installed it in Paul’s garage in Camas, where they roasted for the first 12 years, after which Steve moved the business to his property in Battle Ground. The whole family was involved in some capacity, and Paul and the grandkids could often be found selling coffee and roasted hazelnuts on Saturdays at the Vancouver Farmers Market.

Paul was an active member of Community of Christ Church, where he was a pastor, and ultimately an elder, for the Camas congregation. He was also a camp counselor, director and pastor for youth and family camps at Lewis River Campgrounds in Yacolt, Washington. For his lifetime service to the Community of Christ, he was Superannuated in the Priesthood Office of Elder in 2012.

He was also active in the local community, and served as a member of Camas City Council for several years. He even ran for Mayor of Camas once, against three other candidates. His platform was to rejuvenate the aging Camas swimming pool, for future generations. Although he did not win, he had many enthusiastic supporters, and the distinction of being considered “The Nicest Candidate” overall!

Paul and Bev celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with three parties in 2004!! It was great fun, but exhausting for Bev, who had been diagnosed with colon cancer in 2001 and was undergoing chemotherapy. Paul was an amazing, gentle, loving caregiver for his wife, and was by her side at home when her seven-year battle with cancer finally came to an end in 2008.

Paul Blair led a rich life, filled with great joy and terrible tragedy. But he never gave in. He was intelligent, articulate, generous, loving, courageous, and above all, loyal. But perhaps his greatest gift was his ability to “show up.” Whenever he was needed (whether you were a long time acquaintance, or newly met), Paul was always there to lend a hand, give moral support, or just listen. With a twinkle in his eye and tales to cheer you up — which may (or may not) have been entirely true — but were always entertaining! He had a sharp wit, and was sometimes known as a sly character — but he was always a classy gentleman. He will be deeply missed.

Proceeded in death by granddaughter Rebecca Rose, wife Beverly, sister Mary Sheldon (Blair), daughter Sandra Cronbaugh (Blair), and son Glenn. Survived by grandchildren Hannah Cronbaugh of Ketchum, Idaho and Elijah Cronbaugh of Battle Ground; brothers Milo Blair of Phoenix, Arizona and Jim Blair (Elaine) of Woodland; son-in-law Steven Cronbaugh of Battle Ground, and daughter-in-law Corrinne Loshaw-Blair, of Camas.

Paul was cremated privately by Straub’s Funeral Home in Camas, who will be hosting an online guestbook at www.straubsfuneralhome.com. There will be a celebration of life ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 13th, at 3 pm in the Camas High School theatre, 26900 SE 15th St., Camas, WA, 98607. The family looks forward to hearing your stories and memories. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Paul’s name to The ALS Association OR/SW WA Chapter, 700 NE Multnomah Street, Suite 210, Portland, OR, 97232, or online at www.alsa-or.org.

Read the complete obituary in the Jan. 4 print edition of the Post-Record.

Clyde E. Webberley

Clyde E. Webberley died on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, in Camas, only two miles from his place of birth. He was 91.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 3, at Straub’s Funeral Home. Private interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of choice. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook, visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.