Wayne E. Blair, 81

POWNAL, Vt. —

Wayne Edward Blair, 81, passed away at home surrounded by his family on June 7, 2024. Wayne is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara (Hill) Blair, and his daughters Audrey Blair of Dallas, Texas and Lisa Blair of Austin, Texas.

Wayne was born in Clarksburg, Massachusetts to Lionel Alton Blair and Olive Mae (Davine) Blair. Wayne spent his childhood in the North Adams, Massachusetts area. He attended North Adams schools and graduated from Drury High School with the Class of 1960. Those who knew him would agree that he idolized his childhood in North Adams, and he often told stories about the vibrant community that was North Adams in the 1950’s. He loved Rock ‘n Roll music, old cars, and was a patron of Jack’s Hot Dog Stand up until last year.

Wayne received his bachelor’s degree in 1964 from Ottawa University. After graduation from college, Wayne was drafted into the U.S. Navy. He served in the Navy from 1965 until 1969. The Navy sent Wayne to the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA, where he learned Russian. He was stationed first in Turkey and then later in Japan. This began his lifelong love of travel. He took full advantage of the travel opportunities the Navy offered and loved to learn about history and languages. Wayne travelled to Mexico, Italy, Spain, Greece, Switzerland, Turkey, the Netherlands, France, the British Isles, Tanzania, and Kenya. Wayne even taught himself Spanish after he retired.

The best night of Wayne’s life was New Year’s Eve in 1969 – the night he met Barb on a blind date. They both liked to tell the story of how terrible the weather was that night, and that they were worried Wayne’s Volkswagen Beetle wouldn’t start up. They persevered and were married about a year and a half later, settling in the Bennington, Vermont area. They built their house in Pownal in 1977, which is where they lived together until the time of Wayne’s death.

Wayne worked as an inspector for Energizer Battery Inc. in Bennington for 35 years until his retirement.

When Wayne retired from Eveready Battery, he was just getting started. He was a fly fisherman, and he tied his own flies. He was also an avid hiker, and he especially loved hiking the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Hopkins Memorial Forest, and Mt. Greylock. Even though he did not start until he was in his 60’s, Wayne conquered more than half of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers.

Wayne faced some challenges with his health in the last few years, but that did not stop him living. He walked their dog, Lady, as often as possible, and he always looked forward to going out for spaghetti and meatballs. There is no doubt his spirits were continually lifted by their friends in this community, including the Pownal Swinging Seniors group. His family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers who helped fulfill his wish to stay in his home.

The family is planning a memorial for later this summer and will announce the details once plans are finalized. In memory of Wayne, the family requests that a donation be made to the Appalachian Mountain Club,10 City Square, Boston, MA 02129 or via their website: https://www.outdoors.org/donate/tribute-gifts.

The PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, Adams, is assisting with arrangements. To leave a message of condolence, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com