ARTHUR BLAIR

BLAIR, ARTHUR Arthur Louis Blair of Grand Rapids passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening at Oak Crest Cherrywood Manor in Jenison. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine (Sienkel), his high school sweetheart; daughters, Kimberly (Charles) Lemarbre of Grand Rapids and Karen (Patrick) Ruel of Newaygo; and brothers, William (Norma) and Richard (Shirley) Blair from Hastings and Alto, respectively; sisters, Elaine Gordon and Sharon (Carl) Weller both of Grand Rapids. He will be sorely missed by two grandchildren Dustin Lemarbre of Grand Rapids and Lisa Lemarbre of Gilbert AZ; four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Arthur was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on February 13,1928. He was preceded in death by his mother, Florentine Ebers Graham Tate in 1995 and his father, William Blair in 1962. Arthur retired as a supervisor at General Motors at the Fisher Body Plant on Alpine Ave, after 35 years of service. For many years he was a foreman in the textile interiors division and concluded his career with GM in 1989 as a supervisor in Quality Control. Arthur graduated from Union High School in 1946, during which time, he was very active in football and track. With a passion for football, in 1946 his Alma Mater honored him with the distinction of being named "Athlete of the Year". With his mother, Tena and stepfather Tom Graham, Arthur was active for many years in the field of horticulture on the Graham Orchards in both Grand Rapids and Hart. He attended Holy Spirit Church on Lake Michigan Drive. Throughout his life, he was active in a wide variety of sporting activities, among which included, horse show riding, bowling, snow mobiling, water skiing, sailing, ice fishing, golfing, dune buggying, remote control flying and sailing, bow and arrow hunting in Wyoming. He found great fun in surprising family and friends with his personal recipes for Open Sesame Pie, Apple Pielets, Marble Cheesecakes and many more. Over the years, he also enjoyed collecting antique cars which included a 57 Chevy and his crowning jewel, the "Excalibur", which won a trunk full of trophies. Another favorite activity for he and wife, Gerrie, was camping with special friends on Michigan beaches during the summer and golfing the links of Arizona during the winter for 20 years. He lead a very fulfilling life and was blessed with many dear aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws from the families of Ebers, Read, Schrauwen, Platte, Hill, Schobey, Graham and Blair. His life was further enriched by many wonderful colleagues and friends for whom he always had a kind word, a big heart and a "one liner" to keep you smiling. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 11 AM Holy Spirit Church where he will repose one hour to the Mass. His family will receive visitors Monday 6-9 PM at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance NW. A Rosary will be prayed Monday at 6 PM. Arthur's family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at Oakcrest Cherrywood manor, where he and his wife have resided for the past several years. The tender loving and compassionate care he received will be remembered forever. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Holy Spirit Parish, the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of one's choice.