DOUGLAS – Blair Nelson, 65, of Caledonia Queens County, passed away suddenly in Halifax infirmary on Tuesday, May 29, 2018.
Born in Caledonia, Blair was the son of Muriel (Swindell) Douglas of Bridgewater and the late Nelson Douglas.
Blair was an integral part of the Nova Scotia business community. He represented his peers as the past president of the Canadian Retail Hardware Association, as past president of the National Hardware Association, as a member of the International Hardware Association, as past president of the Maritime Lumber Bureau, as Member of the Forest Products Association, as Chairman of the North Queens Medical Foundation, as member of the North Queens Medical Association, as member of the Transition Committee with the closure of the former Bowater Mill and as an executive on the North Queens Board of Trade.
Blair was invested in his region’s youth, coaching Elementary Boys Basketball and the North Queens Senior Boys Basketball team.
Conservationist, canoe enthusiast and ecological research advocate, Blair was always interested in learning about ecosystem biodiversity and best forest management practices. In collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution Man & Biosphere Program and Environment Canada, the first biodiversity monitoring plot on private working lands in the country was located on his forest property in North Queens.
Blair’s network of family, friends and business partners will remember him for his integrity, honesty, loyalty and intelligence.
Blair is survived by his wife Jean (Gourley), his sons Jeffrey (Dominique) of Canmore, AB and John of Cole Harbour, NS, 3 grandchildren, his mother and his sister Audrey Bennett of Mississauga, ON.
Blair was predeceased by his sister Karen.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandler’s Funeral Home, Liverpool. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 9th, 2018 at 2:00 pm in the North Queens Fire Hall. Reverend Carol Smith will be officiating, reception to follow. Private burial will be in Highland Cemetery, Hibernia Road, Caledonia. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the North Queens Fire Department or the North Queens Medical Center. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlerfuneral.com
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Robert & Sally Fader
To all of Blair’s family:
Robert and I were shocked to hear this sad news. Blair was a fine person and always so friendly. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Bruce and Sylvis Fancy
Our deepest sympathy to Blair’s family and his many friends. He will be missed.
Leora Boutilier Cavanagh
To the family of Blair . So sorry to hear of his passing .Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time in your lives . May he rest in peace .
Fausen Johnson
Blair was a hard working dedicated friend who did a great deal to make Caledonia a better place to live! He will be missed by all of his many friend and family and by myself. Many fond memories of you youthful years growing up in North Queens
Fausen Johnson
Jeannette Lewis
My thoughts and prayers go out to you Jean and your Family.He is going to be missed by all who knew him.Sincerely Jeannette and Family Hugs too all
Melita Stuart
I am so sorry for your loss. I went to school with Blair’s sister Audrey and fondly remember her little brother.
Elizabeth Webster
Very saddened to hear of Blair’s sudden passing. He was always such a pleasant young fellow and grew into an equally pleasant and knowledgeable man who treasured his family, friends and community. His loss will be great to those who knew and loved him.
Don and Elizabeth Webster
Bruce and Linda DeLong and family
We were saddened by the news of Blair’s sudden passing. Please know that Bruce and I , along with our family, send our thoughts and prayers to you, Jean , and your family.
Callie
Very sad to hear of Blair’s passing. I’ll always remember him at the store , so kind to all.
Thinking of you all… hugs Muriel and Jean.
Dwight & Christine Mansfield
So very sorry for the passing of a great man, may your hearts be filled with beautiful memories and the knowledge that there are many that are also grieving the passing of Blair, friend of all that knew him.
Michael & Marie Conway
So sorry for your sudden loss. Thinking of you all with the warm sympathy.
Anne Conrad
Sending our condolences to the entire family. Darrell recalls the many years he played bantam and midget ball with Blair in their younger years. A huge loss to you and the community. Thinking of you all.
Anne and Darrell Conrad
Jean Ottosen
I read this with sadness as I remember Blair being around whenever we visited or lived in Caledonia. Blair and Jean were welcoming faces. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Erin Mansfield
I’m so sorry for your loss John, and your whole family. My thoughts are with you.
Louise and Blair Forrest
Our deepest sympathies go out to you Jean, John, Jeffrey and family. Thinking of you during this time of sorrow. Take care
Winnie Forbes
Deepest sympathy.May the support of many friends and family help ease the burden at this difficult time.
Dan & Mary Telfer & Family
The first of the 3 little blond haired boy cousins from Caledonia (now all age 65) has left us. It saddens me greatly.
Our family will pray for the progress of his soul in whatever future worlds that the Creator presents to him.
Condolences to all from the whole Telfer clan in Alberta
Lawrence DeLong
My deepest sympathy to the Douglas family on Blair’s sudden passing. He will be sadly missed by his community as well as his family.
Judy and Eric Cole
To Muriel, Audrey, Jean, Jeff and John……At a time like this what can one say? North Queens has lost a valued and respected citizen but you have lost the one dearest to you and it is a pain like no other. Keep the happy memories close in your hearts and know that all of you are in the thoughts and prayers of many . With our own special memories of your family………Judy and Eric Cole
Raymond&Elaine Kempton
Sorry to hear of Blair’s sudden passing.
Sincere sympathy to Muriel, Jean, John& Jeffrey.
Vernon & Joyce Hawkes
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you all.
Harry Gardner
Gail and I send our deepest sympathy to Jean and family at this very sad time. I have very happy memories of Blair during our North Queens days. His accomplishments were many and Caledonia is certainly the better for his significant contributions. I’m very saddened with this news. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Harry and Gail Gardner
Alex & Marie MacLeod
Blair was a loyal community member, always out there to help in any way he could. He contributed so much to the spirit of North Queens and many times, behind the scenes. He will be greatly missed. Sincere condolences to Jean, John and Jeffrey. He will be deeply missed but the many wonderful memories of Blair will continue. He definitely left a positive mark.
Ronnie & Debbie Uhlman
So sorry for your loss Jean, John, Jeff and Muriel. Sincere condolences.
David Bell
Please accept my sincere condolences. He was recognized as a leader in his community and a fine gentleman. My thoughts are with you at this time
Natalie & Mitchell
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts are with you all at this time.
robert winters
so sorry to hear of blairs passing he was a good friend and business associate he will be missed rip
Chrissie & Normie Knock
Our thoughts and prayers are being sent to you and your family Jean. We both know and feel the pain of the passing of Blair. He was a good man and will be missed by many. May God be with you in your time of sadness.
Gloria Gilbert
Heartfelt sympathies to Blair’s family and community from Blair’s second cousins, granddaughters of Clark and Beulah Murray. Blair was widely known, loved and respected. We are sorry for his untimely passing.
Marilyn Ray, Penticton BC, Gloria Gilbert, Osborne Harbour NS, Nanci Heninger, Calgary AB and Susan Calnen, Elmsdale NS.
Gerald Keddy
Blair was always an advocate for Caledonia and its’ forests. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. To Jean and family please accept my condolences.
Sincerely
Gerald Keddy
Don and Vi Mackenzie
Thank you Blair, for your contribution to our industry. A life well lived, respected by many. Our condolences to the family.
Don and Vi Mackenzie. Liverpool Home hardware
Pam Foley
Jean, I am so sorry to hear of Blair’s passing. You and I shared a hospital room when Jeffrey was born. Blair’s love and devotion to his family impressed me then, and still does. My prayers are with you all during this terrible time. Take care.
Leon & Norma Robertson
We are so sorry to hear of Blair passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you dear friend Muriel, Jean and family. Keeping you in our prayers.
Georgie and Helen Uhlman
So sad to hear of Blair’s sudden passing, he was a gentleman who will be missed in our community. Thoughts and prayers to Jean, John, Jeffrey and Muriel.
Vincent Boutilier
We were shocked and saddened by the passing of Blair. Jean and family will miss him dearly. Caledonia has lost a great pillar of the community. Nancy & Vincent Boutilier, Manotick, Ontario.
Stewart Lewis
So very sorry to learn of Blair’s death. Our dealings with Blair were always first class and he was a great man. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Stewart Lewis and the rest of us here at Lewis Mouldings.
Glen & Anne (van Dyk) Selig
We are so sorry to hear of Blair’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to your family. A life well lived and certainly an advocate for the community of Caledonia. Live on in the fond memories you hold close in your hearts.
John and Nancy Leefe
Jean, Muriel and Family, how deeply sorry we are to learn of Blair’s sudden passing. Blair was dedicated to his family and his community. His positive influence in the business community spread beyond Caledonia and was provincial and national in scope. He leaves many friends to grieve his loss, yet to rejoice in a life well lived.
Allan Lynch
Jeannie, I am so sorry to read of Blair’s death. Even when we were young and foolish, Blair was that centred, hard-working, calm guy. He certainly packed a lot of accomplishment in a much too short time. I am so sorry for your, your family’s and the community’s sadness at his loss.
Brenda Robertson
In 1971, Nelson Douglas offered my father a job and the Robertson family moved to Caledonia. In that position, my Dad worked closely with Blair, an Acadia student at that time, and he had the greatest respect for him as a young man and saw great peomise in him. That was the beginning of 7 very interesting years for my family in Caledonia, that fostered many fond memories. Central to that was the lifelong relationship that developed between the Douglas and Robertson families, Over the years, from a distance, I have watched Blair continue in his parents footsteps, becoming a central figure in the life and prospertity of the community. On behalf of the Robertson Family (Sandy and Thelma both now long departed from this earth), I extend deepest condolescenses to the Douglas family, as well as to the people of the Caledonia area, who have truly lost a pillar of your wonderful community. Brenda Robertson
John and Donna Murray
Blair’s contributions to his community near and far, were many and considerable. Sincere condolences to family and friends.
Carolyn Tufts
To All of Blair’s Family . My heartfelt condolences are being sent to you all at this very difficult time . He sure will be missed by all who knew him. May you hold all your Memories close to your hear.
Terje & Barb
Our most sincere condolences to all of Blair’s family. He will surely be missed by everyone who was privileged to have known him.
Julie-Anne Kempton
Muriel, Jean, John, and Jeff….. I’m saddened to hear of Blair’s sudden passing…. Please know that you all are in my thoughts. Take care.
Greg Shay
Jean and boys I’m so sorry to hear of Blair’s passing. We had not been in touch much over the last couple of years, that will my regret. He was a real gentleman and we had some great times and conversations together. I’ll miss his gentle humor and all of his wisdom.
Please take care.
Greg
David Wilson
So sorry to hear of Blair’s sudden passing.As a fellow home Hardware dealer I always had a great deal of respect for Blair and his calm and considered approach to his business and all the issues surrounding the industries he was involved with.My father, Buzz, particularly enjoyed running into Blair when he was staying in the area and thoroughly enjoyed his enthusiasm and innovative approach to all of his interests. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family .
Corry Rowter
My deepest condolences on the loss of Blair. He was a genuine, warm, caring person. He had a terrific smile and was always happy to see you and was excited to see what was new in your world. He will be remembered affectionately by many. My sympathies on the loss of a great husband, father and pillar of the community.
Corry Rowter
Marty & Pat Pettit (Douglas)
Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy on the loss of Blair. Thinking of you all.
Sally
So sad to hear this news. He was a kind loving person. Sending my love to Jean and the boys. Xo
Paul Straus
Sorry to hear about your loss. I remember Blair being very involved in the Hardware and Lumber Association. His contributions to our industry were much appreciated. He was a good man and well respected.
Our condolences to all the family.
Windsor Home Hardware
Our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
The Staff and Management of
Windsor Home Hardware
Ian and Greta Morrison
So very sorry to hear about your loss of Blair
Hope you and your family will be ok Jean
Sad sad news for everyone
May God give you strength to carry on
Russell Miller
Muriel, Jean, John and Jeff: I am so sorry and shocked at Blair’s passing.He definitely was a pillar of social, and business life in not only North Queens but on a provincial and national level. I especially remember his effort to find markets for lumber in Europe. His mind and efforts were always for the benefit of his community. North Queens has lost a good man.
May friends and great memories sustain you in this difficult time.
Tina Mansfield
Sorry for your family’s loss.
Phil and Yvonne Hilton
We are sorry for your loss. However have very fond memories of are travels with the Kinner Group.
Diana
Jean, John, Jeffery & Muriel
You are all in our thoughts. Blair always had a way of making you feel like a part of the community…he will be greatly missed…hugs to you all…
Diana & Renny Kryzalka-Neumaier
Marge (Cole) Dunlap
So very shocked to hear of Blair’s death. My thoughts are with his family and friends in the community.
Marge (Cole) Dunlap
Vaughn & Kathy
Jean, John, Jeff, Muriel and family: So sorry to hear of Blair’s passing, just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Hold on to your special memories.
Mary Buchanan
So sad too hear of you great loss, I hope God will be with you to help you and your family though these hard times, take care of yourself and family. Thinking of you Mary Buchanan.
Myrna Crouse
To Jean and family,
So sorry to hear of Blair’s passing. He was a great guy and always kept busy. Had lots of great chats with him and yourself when I worked at the Bank. My deepest sympathy to you all and pray God’s blessing upon you as you grieve your great loss. Remember all the great times you shared together. Blessings to the family.
Tim Lohnes
I’d like to offer my condolences to the Douglas family. Blair was great person that was always a positive force in everything worked. He taught me how work in a team through his Basketball coaching.
Bonnie and Garnet Delong
To Blair’s family, our sincere condolences, for your great loss. Bonnie and Garnet
Peter Gow
Such sad news. Had alot of time and respect for Blair. Always enjoyed my time with him whether it be in our store in Bridgewater or in his store in Caledonia. Many times with Blair at meeting with hardware association, in Toronto or St. Jacob’s , Not. at Home Hardware shows….
Sincere condolences to Jean and all his family.
Mac Clendenning
I was very sad to hear about the passing of my good friend from our Acadia days. I remember Blair as a fun loving guy with a great sense of humor. I am not surprised by all that Blair accomplished in his life because he demonstrated a strong work ethic and a get things done attitude while at Acadia. I would like to offer my sincere sympathy and condolences to Jean, John, Jeffrey, Blair’s mother and sister.
Judy Flemming
The family will miss this kind and wise,generous and gentle man as will the community.Love and take care of each other.We are always here with arms wide open to hold and comfort you.Bless all of you.Judy and Peter.
Muriel, Richard.Joan Canning
Sorry to hear of Blair’s sudden passing. He always knew you when he met you .Jean and family our thoughts and prayers are with you . .
Ellen Paczkowski
Our deepest condolences; from the 5th cousins in B.C. We are very saddened to hear about Blair’s death.
Ellen (Telfer) Paczkowski, Peter and Tara Paczkowski
Jacquie Cooper
Dear Jean my thoughts are with you wishing I had some wise words and could comfort you in some small way. Blair was a wonderful man with a great smile, easy nature and huge contributor to his community. But my sense was that his family and home was his greatest achievement, joy, and haven.
I am unable to attend on Saturday, please know I will hold you close to my heart and thoughts. In the near future I hope we can get together to remember Blair and I can express my sincere sympathy personally for you and your families loss.
Laura Lee and Gil
Its not the length of time we are here, but the difference we make while we are here. Blair left a deep impring on both his community, and the people he knew. We are better people and a better community for having known Blair.
Jean and boys, please accept our deepest, most heartfelt condolences. He will be sadly missed.
Marilyn McGinty-Cobb
Jean & family
Chuck & I want offer our sincere condolences on the sudden passing of Blair. He will indeed be greatly missed . Thinking of you all.
Chuck & Patty McGinty & Marilyn McGinty-Cobb
Ralph Lohnes
Dear Jean and Boys,
So sorry to hear of Blairs’ passing. Our thoughts are with you all, at this sad time.
Ralph and Karen Lohnes
Jim Rofihe
My sincerest condolences to Jean and family on the sudden passing of Blair.
Blair was a fine man and will be missed by many.
Doug Ledwidge
I would like to extend my condolence to Blair’s family on his passing. He was special kind of a man who enjoyed being in business and contributing to his community and the province. He will be missed.
Robin and Chris wilber
As with many other friends of Blair, we were shocked to hear the news of Blair’s passing. Our connection with Blair is through the lumber industry. Our industry is blessed with many people with great work ethics and none more than Blair. Blair was also a wonderful mentor to many. He was extremely well respected by everyone in our industry that had the pleasure of knowing him. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend Blair’s celebration of life on Saturday. Our thoughts are with his family with a promise that we will NEVER forget our friend of many years.
Thanks Blair for allowing me to be your friend.
Robin and Chris Wilber
Terry Davis
Blair was a terrific, positive person who contributed greatly to our industry.
Phyllis Crowe
Jean, and family…. I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. I know Blair will be missed by many, but by you most of all. You have my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences.
Carolyn and Donnie Bolivar
Dear Jean, Jeffrey and John,
We have big holes in our hearts as I know you and everyone who knew Blair does.
We wish you love, strength and big hugs.
With our love,
Carolyn and Donnie
xoxo
Fred and Diana Blenkhorn
Dear Muriel, Jean, John and Jeff
I had the privilege of working with Blair and (Nelson before him) in my capacity as President of the Maritime Lumber Bureau. He provided much respected guidance and was a true mentor to all who were involved in the Forest Sector. His leadership was evidence that you don’t have to be Big to be Knowledgeable. He will forever be missed by all who knew him. Rest In Peace.
Shirleen (Mansfield) Black
My heart aches for each of you, Jean, John, Jeffrey, Muriel, Audrey and your extended family members. The Douglas family has always held a very special place in my heart. I will always remember Blair with great fondness, as a kind, generous, funny and wise, employer and friend. Praying for strength for you all to get through this extremely difficult time. Cherish all those very beautiful and very precious memories. xo
Blair and Marion Baxter
To Jean, John, Jeffrey, Muriel and Audrey. So sorry to hear of Blair’s sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Dennis & Sherri Harrington
Sending sincere condolences to theFamily.
Peter and Mary Jane Bessey
Dear Jean and Family:
It was with great sadness that we learned of Blair’s passing. He was a truly good person; dedicated both to his family and to the needs of the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Blair will be greatly missed and always remembered.
With our deepest condolences,
Peter and Mary Jane Bessey
Peter and Lorraine Hope
Jean, John, Jeffery and Muriel,
We are so sorry to hear of Blair’s passing. He was a great person who did so much for this community. He will be missed by all.
Please accept our sincerest condolences.
The Rowters
Just wanted to send our Condoence,, on behalf or Sandra Rowter, Bill and Nicole Rowter. As My mother and I talked and remember all he done and worked with mom at the heritage house in Caledonia . He will always be remembered and may he be in R.I.P.
Bill Mitchell
Jean: So sorry to hear of your loss/ Blair was a great guy and a good friend during our years at Acadia.
with sincere condolences
Bill Mitchell
cedric@susan smith
sending deepest condolences to the family on blairs sudden passing our prayers go out to you all
Pat Alexander
Jean and family, so saddened to hear of your loss. Your video tribute was very moving and captured Blair’s many wonderful qualities. Treasure those memories and know that you are in many hearts and prayers.
Kathleen Telfer
This is a very sad time for the Douglas Family,
Our deepest sympathy,and our prayers go out to you all.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Telfer.(and family)
Kathleen Rafuse
I am very sorry to read this. I feel very fortunate to have worked with Blair on the Transition team. His love of Queens County and knowledge were so very beneficial to the future of Queens. My sincere sympathy to his family.
Chris B.
My condolences to the family of Blair and the pain it may cause at heart. Blair certainly was an accomplished man and will be missed. We are never ready to pass away, at any age, which shows that our Creator, Jehovah, did not purpose for life to end. A comforting Bible promise says “the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs (in God’s memory) will hear his voice and come out . . . to a resurrection of life.” (John 5:28, 29). Here on a Paradise earth. (Revelation 21: 4)
Ruby Fraser (Acker)
Reading of Blair’s passing was definitely a shock.
My memories are from time of innocence when we were growing up in Caledonia.
I note his legacy of family and community and sincerely hope the expressions of sympathy give the spirit support in the time ahead.
Tom & Wilma Shupe
To Jean, John, Jeffery, Muriel & Audrey,
We were so saddened to hear of Blair’s passing. We always enjoyed our chats whenever we met. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom, Wilma and Family
Cheryl Mansfield
I worked at the NF Douglas store for 10 years..My condolences goes out to Jean Jeffery and John and his mother Muriel ..as well as to all the rest of his family .he was a great man who will be missed
Lucy Ringer
Deepest sympathy to the Douglas family, Lucy and Wilfred Ringer
Carole Blenkhorn
Jean and family
I was sadden to hear about Blair’s passing. He was always to kind to the “MLB Girls” . Please know that we are thinking about you.
Carole, Barb, Glo & Linda
Michele MacDougall
Dear Muriel, Jean, and Audrey and family,
We send our very deepest condolences and have you in our thoughts during this extremely difficult and sad time.
The five Hayden Sisters and families,
Sara, Judy, Michele, Christine, and Paige (Betty Hayden’s daughters)
Paul and Linda MacDonald
To Jean and the entire Douglas family we wish our sincere condolences on Blair’s passing. We knew Blair casually for many years and recall occasions of good convasation and laughter with him. His ease with others was a true reflection of his kindness and thoughtfullness towards everyone and he will be fondly remembered by us.
Leigh and Cathy Merry and family
So sorry to hear of Blairs passing he always had time to have a chat and give you a smile !!He did much for our community and will be sorely missed please accept our sympathy take care of each other and God Bless
Bill & Phyllis (Ramey) Barnaby
We send our sincere condolences to Jean and family. May the support of your family and many many friends get you through this difficult time. Memories of NQRHS come flashing back. I’m sure he will continue to be a leader in the place he is now.
Carol Shay
How the years have flown by. My sincere condolences to the family of this wonderful man. Rest In Peace Blair.
Mitch and Dianne Frail
Our heartfelt condolences to the Douglas family. May you have many happy memories to help you through this time.
Rick Hebb
Sorry of hear of Blair”s passing. he was a great entrepreneur providing jobs and “giving back to the Community” Always available for conversation and real down to earth nice guy. Condolences to his family and his many friends!
Carl & Sue Demmons
Jean, Muriel, Audrey, and all the rest of the family:
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Blair’s sudden, and unexpected passing. It has been a tremendous loss not only to you, his precious family, but also to the community and the multitude of people who worked with him and for him. As well, his wide ranging group of friends from all aspects of his life will miss him in their own way. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of the Douglas family members, and with you Blair, until we meet again.
Carl & Sue Demmons
Jim/Joanne Douglas
Condolences to the family of Blair Douglas. We were honored to meet him several years ago here in Reno Nevada at my cousin Bruce Douglas anniversary. It was very special to meet his branch of the Douglas tree.
Mary & Gordie DenBoer
Blair and Jean welcomed us to the neighborhood and were so kind and caring. Jean, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary and Gordie DenBoer
Marcus Waddington
Please accept my sincere condolences. Blair was a truly amazing person and he stood up for North Queens every time. He was a great supporter of the school and we were all friends. He was a person at the centre of the community and it was a sad day when the store was no longer run by him. Super honest, super clear, a great father, son and husband, he can never be replaced. I was shocked to learn of his passing. I always appreciated what he did for the school and I was very happy to learn of the friendship that he developed with my close friends Charles and Heather. I am greatly saddened by his passing.