Search by Name

Search by Name

Watson BLAIR Obituary

BLAIR, Watson Keep

Watson Keep Blair died at his home early Tuesday morning, November 26, 2013, of natural causes at the age of 87 years. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, raised in Palm Beach and New York City, and graduated from The Fay School, St. Paul's School, and Yale College. Between St. Paul's School and Yale College, he studied Naval Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following his graduation from Yale, he joined J. P. Morgan & Co., Inc., eventually leading its international lending group. In 1970 he left banking to follow an entrepreneurial interest in St. Louis with National Transaction Networks, which developed an early concept for cash cards. His first wife, Mary Josephine Cutting McFadden Blair, died in 1991. His second wife, Valerie Hollmann Ford Blair, survives him, as do his children, Watson B. Blair and Wolcott R. Blair, his stepchildren, Mary McFadden, John H. McFadden, Anthony F. W. Ford, and Ian H. J. Ford. His stepson George McFadden predeceased him. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, December 6, 2013, at the Christ Memorial Chapel, 52 South Beach Road, Jupiter Island, FL. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

To express condolences and/or make donations: Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Palm Beach Post from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Watson BLAIR

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Charles R Wormek

July 28, 2022

I worked for Mr Blair when he hired me&the firm I worked for at the time, to move him and all his possessions from St Louis to Muttontown, NY. He spent a lot of time around&with the crew.

He was the ultimate gentleman with us, even as he'd "cadge" an occasional cigarette from me or one of the crew. I think the yr was 1979. From planning to completion I spent over a month around him. He was one of a kind. St Louis lost one of their top residents when he left.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Watson BLAIR's name

Memorial Events
for Watson BLAIR

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Watson's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Watson BLAIR's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more