Nelson Astin Blair died on April 28, 2009 at San Diego Hospice with his family by his side after a six month battle with lymphoma. He was born to Mamie Kate Astin and Luke Blair on November 27, 1925 and raised on a farm in Vance, outside of Danville, Virginia. He graduated from Whitmell Farm-Life High School.
During WWII, Nelson joined the Navy at age 17, participating in the V-12 program at Emory and Henry College and Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute. He rose to the rank of Master Chief before receiving his commission, and retired as a Lieutenant Commander after 32 years of service. His Navy service included participation in the Japanese Occupation Force, the Korean War, and Cold War operations with the transport and patrol aviation communities. He graduated with a B.B.A. from the University of Hawaii.
On April 28, 1962, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Nelson married the love of his life, Elizabeth "Bettie" Minor, who preceded him in death in 2003. Nelson and his wife brought up three children in their long-time hometown of Kailua, Hawaii.
Following his time in the Navy, Nelson enjoyed a successful career with United Services Life Insurance and Bankers Securities as both salesman and regional manger for Hawaii and the Pacific Rim, receiving multiple awards as the company's top salesman. Nelson was also a 32nd degree Mason with the Scottish Rite Temple and an active member of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, in Kailua.
Nelson moved to San Diego in 2003 to be with family after his wife's passing. He served as a valued volunteer at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Known for his wisdom, tenacity and wit, he will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Nelson is survived by his children Dr. Elizabeth Astin Blair (Gregory Morin) of Chicago, Rebecca Blair Harutunian (Hon. Albert Harutunian III) of San Diego, and Commissioner John Blair (Margaret) of San Diego; along with five grandchildren.
A memorial service will take place at the Fort Myer Old Post Chapel followed by interment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Attn: Contributions, One Intrepid Square, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10036, or San Diego Hospice Foundation, 4311 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103.
Published in the Danville Register & Bee from 5/9/2009 - 5/13/2009
During WWII, Nelson joined the Navy at age 17, participating in the V-12 program at Emory and Henry College and Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute. He rose to the rank of Master Chief before receiving his commission, and retired as a Lieutenant Commander after 32 years of service. His Navy service included participation in the Japanese Occupation Force, the Korean War, and Cold War operations with the transport and patrol aviation communities. He graduated with a B.B.A. from the University of Hawaii.
On April 28, 1962, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Nelson married the love of his life, Elizabeth "Bettie" Minor, who preceded him in death in 2003. Nelson and his wife brought up three children in their long-time hometown of Kailua, Hawaii.
Following his time in the Navy, Nelson enjoyed a successful career with United Services Life Insurance and Bankers Securities as both salesman and regional manger for Hawaii and the Pacific Rim, receiving multiple awards as the company's top salesman. Nelson was also a 32nd degree Mason with the Scottish Rite Temple and an active member of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, in Kailua.
Nelson moved to San Diego in 2003 to be with family after his wife's passing. He served as a valued volunteer at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Known for his wisdom, tenacity and wit, he will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Nelson is survived by his children Dr. Elizabeth Astin Blair (Gregory Morin) of Chicago, Rebecca Blair Harutunian (Hon. Albert Harutunian III) of San Diego, and Commissioner John Blair (Margaret) of San Diego; along with five grandchildren.
A memorial service will take place at the Fort Myer Old Post Chapel followed by interment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Attn: Contributions, One Intrepid Square, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10036, or San Diego Hospice Foundation, 4311 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103.
Published in the Danville Register & Bee from 5/9/2009 - 5/13/2009
Nelson Astin Blair died on April 28, 2009 at San Diego Hospice with his family by his side after a six month battle with lymphoma. He was born to Mamie Kate Astin and Luke Blair on November 27, 1925 and raised on a farm in Vance, outside of Danville, Virginia. He graduated from Whitmell Farm-Life High School.
During WWII, Nelson joined the Navy at age 17, participating in the V-12 program at Emory and Henry College and Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute. He rose to the rank of Master Chief before receiving his commission, and retired as a Lieutenant Commander after 32 years of service. His Navy service included participation in the Japanese Occupation Force, the Korean War, and Cold War operations with the transport and patrol aviation communities. He graduated with a B.B.A. from the University of Hawaii.
On April 28, 1962, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Nelson married the love of his life, Elizabeth "Bettie" Minor, who preceded him in death in 2003. Nelson and his wife brought up three children in their long-time hometown of Kailua, Hawaii.
Following his time in the Navy, Nelson enjoyed a successful career with United Services Life Insurance and Bankers Securities as both salesman and regional manger for Hawaii and the Pacific Rim, receiving multiple awards as the company's top salesman. Nelson was also a 32nd degree Mason with the Scottish Rite Temple and an active member of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, in Kailua.
Nelson moved to San Diego in 2003 to be with family after his wife's passing. He served as a valued volunteer at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Known for his wisdom, tenacity and wit, he will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Nelson is survived by his children Dr. Elizabeth Astin Blair (Gregory Morin) of Chicago, Rebecca Blair Harutunian (Hon. Albert Harutunian III) of San Diego, and Commissioner John Blair (Margaret) of San Diego; along with five grandchildren.
A memorial service will take place at the Fort Myer Old Post Chapel followed by interment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Attn: Contributions, One Intrepid Square, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10036, or San Diego Hospice Foundation, 4311 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103.
Published in the Danville Register & Bee from 5/9/2009 - 5/13/2009
During WWII, Nelson joined the Navy at age 17, participating in the V-12 program at Emory and Henry College and Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute. He rose to the rank of Master Chief before receiving his commission, and retired as a Lieutenant Commander after 32 years of service. His Navy service included participation in the Japanese Occupation Force, the Korean War, and Cold War operations with the transport and patrol aviation communities. He graduated with a B.B.A. from the University of Hawaii.
On April 28, 1962, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Nelson married the love of his life, Elizabeth "Bettie" Minor, who preceded him in death in 2003. Nelson and his wife brought up three children in their long-time hometown of Kailua, Hawaii.
Following his time in the Navy, Nelson enjoyed a successful career with United Services Life Insurance and Bankers Securities as both salesman and regional manger for Hawaii and the Pacific Rim, receiving multiple awards as the company's top salesman. Nelson was also a 32nd degree Mason with the Scottish Rite Temple and an active member of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, in Kailua.
Nelson moved to San Diego in 2003 to be with family after his wife's passing. He served as a valued volunteer at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Known for his wisdom, tenacity and wit, he will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Nelson is survived by his children Dr. Elizabeth Astin Blair (Gregory Morin) of Chicago, Rebecca Blair Harutunian (Hon. Albert Harutunian III) of San Diego, and Commissioner John Blair (Margaret) of San Diego; along with five grandchildren.
A memorial service will take place at the Fort Myer Old Post Chapel followed by interment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Attn: Contributions, One Intrepid Square, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10036, or San Diego Hospice Foundation, 4311 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103.
Published in the Danville Register & Bee from 5/9/2009 - 5/13/2009
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