Robert "Bob" J. Blair, Sr.

October 6, 1920 - June 24, 2014

Robert "Bob" Blair died June 24, 2014 at Alexian Brother's Rehabilitation Center in Elk Grove Village after suffering a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Bob was born in Chicago's Albany Park-Sunnyside and Lawndale-where he developed his lifelong love affair with cars, motorcycles, engines and grease.  His connection to vehicles was cultivated by his father, James Blair, who worked for Carl Zepp Ford Agency on Lawrence Avenue.  Following the untimely death of both of his parents when Bob was only 13 years old, he went to live with his mother Ruth's parents and his younger sister Gloria (predeceased) went to live with their Aunt. In grade school, Bob met the true love of his life, Betty Lou Wise.  They attended Roosevelt High School together and were sweethearts through and through.  They were married in 1943 at Barry Memorial Church.  Following Bob's stint in the Navy in WWII, he and his uncle's built a house in Itasca, where they raised their two sons, Rob and Rick, and daughter, Janet.  Not wanting to be referred to as a 'grease monkey' by his father-in-law, Bob went to school for a diploma in engineering and began his career at the Bell & Howell company as a mechanical engineer.  Being a 'pioneer' at the company, his 47 year career included many different roles - with personnel management being among his favorite. When Bob retired from Bell & Howell, he and Betty moved 'out to the wide open spaces'  to Huntley - when it was just that about 27 years ago.  Bob was an active member of the Algonquin First Congregational Church, a helpful neighbor, a frugal depression kid who always found a few bucks for things like the wounded warrior fund, and a man who deeply cherished his family.  Up until very recently, Bob was living independently in their home in Huntley, driving his Ford (of course), and had the smile of someone much younger than 93.  He wanted to make it to 100…and came pretty close.  A phrase that he repeated frequently is "it's a great life."  We will miss hearing him say it - but it and he will live forever in our hearts. Robert Blair is survived by his wife Betty Lou, his children- son Robert and wife Patricia Blair, son Richard Blair, daughter Janet and husband Jack Valentic; his grand children Erin and Gary Long, Ben and Lia Blair, Megan and Shawn Hunter, Paige Blair; and great grandchildren Blair and Zoey Long, Max and Leo Hunter and Arlo Blair. Services for Mr. Blair will be held Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the First Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington Street, Algonquin, Illinois 60102.  Visitation will be 10:00 am until the 11:00 am Funeral service with a luncheon at the church to follow. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the First Congregational Church of Algonquin.