Frederick Eugene Blair passed away peacefully on September 19 ^th , 2022 at Aegis Kirkland Waterfront. He was surrounded by family, friends, his wonderful caregivers and staff who were all there for him the last few weeks to ease his final journey. Fred was born on March 26 ^th , 1931 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Eli and Nellie (Boote) Blair. He was the youngest of 7 children.

On his 17 ^th birthday, in 1948, he joined the Army/Air Corps which later became the United States Air Force. In Basic Training, Fred was selected for Weather Observer Training which ultimately became his life's work and passion. After graduating from weather training Fred volunteered for the Berlin Airlift. For nearly a year he helped with a massive airlift of food, water, and medicine to the citizens of West Berlin. He was awarded The Medal for Humane Action for his efforts. In 1949, Fred volunteered to go to England where he met the love of his life, Mary Hotchkies. They were married in 1951 and had four children. Fred was a Weather Observer in the Air Force for 26 years and was stationed in England, Greenland, Korea, and the United States. He retired from the Air Force in 1973 from McChord Air Force Base.

Fred was hired by Alyeska Oil in 1975 and became the Chief Weather Observer in charge of training staff at all 14 airports on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. In 1981, he was hired by Alaska Airlines as a Weather Observer and Tower Operator at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. He worked at Alaska until retiring in 1998. In the 17 years he was at Prudhoe Bay there was not one weather related aircraft incident. He was awarded the Alaska Airlines Above and Beyond Medal for this achievement. Fred came out of retirement for a couple of years when he was asked to work at Boeing Field as a Weather Observer. He was also the Resident Weatherman at Aegis Kirkland Waterfront where he gave daily reports to the community that adored him.

Fred was a force of nature and was determined to provide for his family and give them the life they deserved. He was selfless and kind, and loved helping others. There could be no better role model than Fred, and he will be sorely missed.

Fred was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary and all of his siblings. He is survived by his children Steven (Beth) Blair, Christoper (Karen) Blair, Derek Blair, and Sandra (Rick) Hesselbacher; grandchildren Ryan Blair, Jenny (David) Weber, Kathryn (Ben) Dagg, Tristan (Grace) Blair, Cameron Blair, Keiran Blair, Addie Blair, Alec (Gabriela) Blair, Connor (Syivia Li) Hesselbacher and Evan Hesselbacher; great grandchildren Elijah, Adeline, Mary and David Weber; and his dear nieces and nephews.

Fred's Memorial Service will be Wednesday, September 28 ^th 2022 at 1PM at New Tacoma Cemetery's Chambers Creek Chapel, 9212 Chambers Creek Road West.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Fred to the Old Friends Club at P.O. Box 2472 Kirkland, WA 98083.

To attend Fred's funeral service via livestream please follow the link below:

Streaming will begin at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1663997076209771

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