Russell Blair — who lived nearly all his life in Westport, and whose decades of volunteerism here included co-founding the Emergency Medical Service, and work on nearly every school building committee — died peacefully at his longtime home, surrounded by his family, on August 31. He was 96.
The Cincinnati native moved to Westport as a young boy. He spent many happy summers in the boat basin at Compo Beach, and sailing on Long Island Sound.
Russ attended Admiral Billard Academy in New London and the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, earning his engineering degree in 1951.
He served on the USS Allagash for 3 years, rising to lieutenant before transferring to the Navy Retired Reserve.
Russ worked as an engineer for several companies before joining Slickbar in 1969. He became president in 1987, a position he held until retiring in 2001.
Russ’s devotion to community service began in high school during World War II, when he joined the civil defense fire crew.
Russ Blair
In Westport he gave generously of his time and talents, serving with the Volunteer Fire Department, co-founding Westport Emergency Medical Service, contributing to building committees that touched nearly every school in town — including the “new” Staples High in 2005 — and lending his care to various town and church restoration efforts.
Russ also spent 27 years in the Norwalk Hospital Emergency Department as an Emergency Medical Technician, offering steady hands and a compassionate heart. He received numerous awards, all of them with humility and grace.
Russ loved to repair, tinker and fix things. He always had a spare part, just waiting for its time to mend a broken object or machine.
Russ and his wife Isabel were married for 74 years. They shared a love for family, Westport, and traveling around the world.
He is survived by his wife Isabel; children Tripp (Nancy), DG (Bruce) and Laura; grandchildren Heather (Jamie), Lily (Andrew) Kate (Tim), and Maria (Travis). and great grandchildren Natalie, Christopher, Emily, Maddie, Oliver, Ryan, Drew, and Isabel
A celebration of life will be held October 25 (3 p.m.) at the Saugatuck Congregational Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy, or a local charity of your choice.
Russ was a valued friend and lived a life in Westport that should serve as a template for all of us. His love of family, of his community, of his fellow Y’s Men and the sea made him a truly special man. We admire his life of service and will miss his smile every day.
So sorry to hear this. Westport EMS would not be what it is today without Russ Blair and Ed Audley. What a life of service. RIP Rusty..
Russ, probably to the chagrin of many Wrats of the era, provided the big yellow Buoy lane markers, that were essential to our 50-m crib in the Saugatuck river out by Mahackeno –way back when. We built the docks and he provided the supports along both sides of the “crib.” This allowed for CRazy Mike to provide 50 m water for our 20 yard Brophy pool Water Rats back in the day. He was an avid supporter of everything which thankfully included us. RIP Russ Blair and condolences to the family. We loved you and to this day cherish your memory.
Russ was a treasure for Westport. Russ was a friend of mine and so many others. Russ was a trusted professional for Westport. Russ could always be depended to put up his hand to do invaluable and difficult work for Westport and its schools. His contribution was a key reason why Westport got though the 10 year period when Westport’s school population almost doubled and resulted in one school building project.
As a Board of Education member and its Chair during most of this period, Russ I thank you.
Steve Halstead
“resulted in one school building project” after another.