The Richmond News, May 31, 2024

Lewis Nathan Blair, 84, passed away peacefully May 2, 2024, at home in Rochester, Minn. He had coped with some health issues for years, and although they had worsened recently, his sudden passing was unexpected.

Lewis was born June 23, 1939, in Richmond.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Monroe Blair and Lewis Blair

Emily Marguerite (Woods) Blair.

He is survived by his wife of more than 63 years, Jan (Rocklage) Blair; and son, Scott (Amy) Blair of Rochester. Other survivors include seven grandchildren, Keegan, 27; Peyton, 21; Christopher, 14; Eleanor, 10; Liam, 9; Ren, 8; and Fenwick, 8. He also is survived by his brother, Charles (Victoria) Blair of Kansas City; and sister, M. Janet Blair of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Lewis attended school in Richmond, graduating in 1957 from Richmond High School. He was a varsity member of a state championship team in 1955 and was named a team captain his senior year.

He attended engineering school at the University of Missouri-Rolla, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He later transferred, graduating from the University of Missouri in Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering. During this time, he also served in the Missouri National Guard.

The first half of Lewis’ professional career focused on industrial ventilation and air/water pollution control (later known as “environmental engineering”) with large mining corporations, living in Montana, Denver and northern Wisconsin. He spent the second half of his career in consulting engineering in Minneapolis, becoming licensed as a certified industrial hygienist, and counting several leading manufacturing and operating corporations as repeat clients. He retired in 2002.

Lewis was a dedicated and supporting husband, father and grandfather. He and Jan loved having a family dog, and their house was rarely without one. When he could, Lewis enjoyed golfing, watching football, fishing, and traveling with family and friends. Ever curious and inquisitive, he was well-known for having lengthy, detailed conversations with people on any number of subjects.

No services have been scheduled. Should a celebration of life be planned in the future, details and ample notice will be given.