Sylvia M. Blair

FUNERAL HOME

Wilhelm's Portland Memorial Funeral Home

6705 SE 14th Avenue

Portland, Oregon

Sylvia Blair Obituary

Blair, Sylvia M. 85 Jan. 13, 1926 June 25, 2011 Sylvia was born to Maxwell and Mary Mitchell in Baker, Ore. She is survived by her husband, Bob; sons, Craig and Kent; and grandchildren, Kelsie and Max. She and Bob married Nov. 7, 1948, after a whirlwind romance. Sylvia was a Molalla Buckaroo princess and, later, a majorette at U of O. She used these skills to build her own business, teaching baton twirling and coaching one of her students to a national championship. Later, she conducted baton, dance and cheerleading summer camps throughout the Northwest. Sylvia was inducted into the OCCA Hall of Fame in 2005. She enjoyed traveling, tennis and gourmet cooking. She could make friends at the drop of a hat. It was not unusual for her to make lifelong friends from a chance encounter. Sylvia touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed. Arrangements by Wilhelm's Portland Memorial, 503-236-4141.

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Published by The Oregonian on Jul. 1, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Sylvia Blair

13 Entries

July 9, 2011

"Sylvia's energy and friendliness made my first trip to NCA camp as a Jr. High Coach very enjoyable. She always put new coaches at ease. Through the years I was fortunate to become part of Sylvia's staff, training coaches at her one day clinics, then later as director of her camps in the Northwest. Sylvia was highly thought of throughout the country. Her name was synonymous with cheerleading and drill teams.

She always wanted the camp experience to be a positive one for everybody. The cheerleaders referred to her as the "lady with the hat", as she always wore a funny little one around camp. She would have campers and coaches fill out comment cards on the second day so as to ensure their concerns were met before they left for home. She never wanted a camper or coach to leave without having the time of their life.

There wouldn't be an OCCA today if not for her help in promoting it at all of her camps. She allowed us to pass out membership forms and introduce the coaches to our programs. She sponsored the Welcome Party at our first few Coaches Conferences. She would do anything we needed. She even attended the conference to meet the coaches and encourage their involvement. Her heart was always in the spirit world.

We will not see her grace again, she was one of a kind. She will be missed. I would bet she is in heaven right now leading some chants and waving some pompons for someone's glory. We love you Sylvia!
Cheryl Priest-Faulk, Clovis, CA.

July 7, 2011

I met Sylvia and Bob at Clinic by the Sea. Sylvia was great at being the director. Bob was the fun bus driver.I was so sorry to hear about Sylvia's passing. I have some great memories and pictures of those special times. My thoughts and prayers are with Bob and the family.
Susan Wittmayer Lomnicky Scappoose, Oregon

Elaine Forde

July 6, 2011

I was also a cheer coach at Clackamas High School when I met Sylvia. At the time I was not that enthused to be a cheer coach and give up a week of summer vacation. However Sylvia welcomed other advisors and I so warmly, that suddenly I had a great gaggle of coaches to hang with. Because of her ability to get us all together, the weeks went by fast and I learned a great deal in making my cheerleaders real team.

I too ended up working camps throughout the Northwest-it was a great way to make some extra money and have fun while I was working. I still am great friends with many of the former coaches and many of the cheerleaders whom I traveled with.

Thanks Sylvia for all you have done for the youth of the Northwest-they have learned to be leaders, how to cooperate with others, to be great dancers and jump even higher toe touches because of the opportunities you have given them.

Jeannine James

July 5, 2011

I was a small school cheerleader adviser for a number of years. Working for Bob and Sylvia at their camps helped me do a better job. It also enabled me to have some good vacations and to meet and become friend with many other people. I had not seen them for some time and was so pleased when two or three years ago Bob called and asked me if I would be interested in having lunch with them. They drove down to Woodburn and we met at a restaurant, had lunch and a really good visit.

My thoughts and prayers are with Bob, Kent, Craig and their families.

July 3, 2011

We remember Sylvia with a smile in our hearts! We shared time on the Eastmoreland Racquat Club's tennis courts, much chit-chat, and greetings at intermission of Oreon Symphony concerts.

Bill and Jocelyn Cox, Portland

Carole Yates

July 2, 2011

Sylvia and I were sisters in Beta Sigma Phi. She was an inspiration and always a delight to visit with. She shared her special knowledge with her sorority sisters when she put us through "charm" school. What fun! My sympathy and prayers to Bob and her sons.

Lori Shea

July 2, 2011

Sylvia was my daughter's first baton twirling teacher some 40 plus years ago. She will be missed in the twirling field as she added so much with her knowledge and camps.

July 2, 2011

To Sylvias husband and family.
Sylvia and I were good friends, specialy during grade school. Her home was just on the back end of our place in Fernwood.
I remember when their family home burned down and they bad to build a small house. Sylvia was responsible for helping me get my first real job.
She was real popular in high school and was into a lot of activities. What a talented lady.
She will be missed.
Virginia Hughet Krasxberger Woodfin

Sandy Mullin-Bourne

July 2, 2011

Sorry to hear of the passing of your mother and grandmother. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Glenda Franich

July 2, 2011

To Sylvia's husband, Bob, and her children and grandchildren: heartfelt understanding and prayers of courage go out to you all. Sylvia was a bright star and lovely spirit whose wit and smile touched everyone she met. She was a Molalla Buckeroo princess and rarely missed a Molalla Buckeroo Royals monthly meeting. Sylvia always had something nice to say and a smile for everyone she met. Bob was always at her side and made sure Sylvia participated in the activities important to her. Sylvia will be missed and her spirit embraced.
Glenda Franich, Molalla Buckeroo Royals

Bonnie Minton-Rohlffs

July 1, 2011

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Sylvia. She was an important part of my life growing up. Not only was she my baton instructor, she was a lifelong friend. She was an integral part of my life's journey and I credit her for giving me the confidence to succeed in all that I set out to do. She was one of a kind and will be missed.

Kelly Dexter

July 1, 2011

My prayers are with the family. God Bless