Barry passed away peacefully at the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre surrounded by his family.
Beloved husband of Nicole (née Diotte). Loving father of Sherri (Hugh Faloon) and Ian and stepfather of Julie Lamothe (Marc) and Rachel Letellier (John). Proud grandfather of Kristopher, Samantha and Benjamin and step grandfather to Anika, Justin, Emilie, Maxime and Yana.
Predeceased by his first wife Margaret (née Brown), his brother Bob, his sister-in-law Joyce and his niece Linda (Dave}. He will also be greatly missed by his brother-in-law Michel Diotte (Denise), his nephew Robert Blair (Aura) and his niece Kathy Blair (Jim).
During the period of 1954 to 1965 Barry served as a military engineer and army pilot in the Canadian Army. He volunteered to participate in the Korean War.
After retiring from the Public Service as Director General Air Navigation System, Transport Canada in 1989, he established his firm "Blair Consulting Services Inc." to provide consulting services specializing in aviation. His work involved being a senior advisor to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in matters of air navigation system and airports in several countries in Europe.
Barry loved playing his saxophone and clarinet in several bands. Fitness and outdoor activities were always part of his life.
Many thanks to the staff at the Perley for their care and compassion during his final journey. A private burial service and celebration of life will take place with the immediate family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Perley and Rideau Foundation would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Ian Blair
Ron Armstrong
Working with Barry at Transport Canada was both a pleasure and instructive. Every day he showed us junior managers how quiet, competent, thoughtful senior management practices could motivate thousands of staff to give the public service their best. He was a true leader in the field of aviation.
Doug Mein
While at Transport Canada, Barry always strong strong ethics , human sensitivity and mindful leadership as a manager. He was also a good friend and will be conspicuous by his absence in the field of civil aviation, both in Canada and Europe. May he rest in great peace!
Canadian Military Engineers
The Canadian Military Engineers extend to you and your family our deepest sympathies in your time of sorrow with the passing of Barry Blair.
Major General D. Benjamin, CMM, CD (Retired)
Colonel Commandant of the Canadian Military Engineers
https://cmea-agmc.ca/cme-family-last-post
Lois and Bob Smith
We will miss chatting with Barry and his friendly presence in the neighbourhood. Our condolences to Nicole and family.
Neil Yorke-Slader
Very sad to hear of Barry's passing. We had some wonderful times together for many years playing in Big Band Revival. My condolences to everyone in the family.
Gilles Rodrigue
At Transport Canada, it was a pleasure to work for several years under his leadership. He was calm, fair and very knowledgeable.
Quite a gentleman in all aspects!
My sincere condolences to his family. We have lost a great man.
roberta coutts
I had the fun and delight of meeting Barry more recently. But I always soo looked forward to
to the chats and get togethers with Nicole and friends.. He will be missed .
Bob and Peggy Hart
Barry was one.of the best managers I have ever worked for. He was also a great story teller. On his 40th birthday he said he felt old. He got on the bus and a young lady got up and offered him her seat !! Peggy and I have known him since the 70’s and we will miss his stories and sense of humour. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Nicole and family.
Bob and Peggy Hart
Don and Margaret Williamson
We are sad today to learn of Barry's death and Don and I wish to send our sincere condolences to Nicole and other family members. Barry and Don go back a long way in the formation of the much loved Trillium Jazz Band. Practices at our house were such fun and Barry's sax and clarinet playing was superb. He will be missed and deeply mourned. May he rest in peace, gentle man that he was.
Miss you Dad. You were a fantastic father and teacher. Love, Ian