Judd Huntley Blain, an educator and Episcopal clergyman, died in his home in Deerfield on March 13. He entered hospice care after suffering injuries during a fall two weeks earlier. He died peacefully after a life filled with extraordinary love and communion.
Born in Los Angeles, CA, in 1935, Judd moved to Grand Forks, ND, at the age of eight with his mother and brother following the divorce of his parents. Judd's mother, Eleanor Rognlie, was a first generation Swedish-American whose parents started a farm on the family homestead in Thief River Falls, MN. In Grand Forks, she worked as the Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools while she raised Judd and his older brother, William S. Blain. Both Judd and his brother graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in Grand Forks.
He graduated with the Class of 1957 from Harvard College. In a letter written in the spring of 1957, Judd wrote ""In college, I met the girl with whom I am deeply in love."" Beatrice Young was a student at Radcliffe College. Judd and Beaty married in 1958 in a ceremony presided over by the bride's father, an Episcopal clergyman, in Manchester, NH.
In 1959, Judd graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA. He was ordained a Deacon by the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota in 1960 and was ordained a Priest in 1961. He was appointed to serve three congregations on the North Dakota side of Standing Rock Sioux Reservation; St Luke's in Fort Yates, St. James in Cannonball and the Fort Yates Community Church. Three of Judd and Beaty's four children were born during the seven years that the family lived in Fort Yates, North Dakota.
Judd studied Anthropology and Navajo during a year in New Mexico and then took a position as the Director of a Job Corps Center in Clinton, Iowa. Judd and Beaty's fourth child was born in Clinton.
In 1969, Judd accepted a position at a boarding school for high school boys, Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, MA. He worked in a variety of roles there until 1978, serving as Dean of Faculty for the last five years. Judd taught English from 1979-1996 at Eaglebrook School, a boarding and day school for boys in grades 6-9, located in Deerfield. At Eaglebrook, he also coached and performed pastoral duties for the community. His wife, daughter, and son-in-law also worked at the school during Judd's tenure there.
In retirement, Judd travelled with Beaty to China to teach English. After returning to Deerfield, they engaged in a wide range of activities including singing with choral organizations, delivering library books, volunteering with Restorative Justice, and participating in the activities of a Swedish-American society (VASA). He also led services when needed at St. John's (Ashfield, MA), Trinity Church (Shelburne Falls, MA) and other Episcopal churches in Western Massachusetts.
Throughout his life he was an enthusiastic singer. He travelled through Europe singing with the Harvard Glee Club and most recently sang with the Greenfield Community College Chorus. During the last two weeks of his life he found great joy and peace in the voice of singers who came to his bedside.
Judd helped to build and nourish communities throughout his life. As a young parish priest in Fort Yates, he built enduring relationships and strengthened community institutions. The same could be said of his time at the Job Corps Center, Deerfield Academy, Eaglebrook School, and the parishes where he performed supply work in retirement. There were never strangers in his midst. He was welcoming of new faces until he took his last breath.
Judd is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beatrice Blain of Deerfield, MA. His brother, Bill Blain lives with his wife Ginny in Detroit Lakes, MN, and Sun City, AZ. Judd is also survived by four children Rachel (husband Andrew Chase of Deerfield, MA), Sarah (husband Craig Byrne of Oakland, CA), Nathan (wife Sue Blain of Bethesda, MD), and Peter (wife Lisa Blain of South Hadley, MA). Judd and Beaty also have 10 grandchildren; Calla, Lucy, Hailey, Lily, Sam, Saul, Audrey, Harrison, Kyle and Seth.
A memorial service will be held April 12 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Shelburne Falls.
Expressions of sympathy available at: www.wrisleyfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by the Blain family.
October 31, 2020
Student
Jeff Bischof
I had Mr Blain as an English teacher in ninth grade at Eaglebrook. I got to thinking about him randomly tonight as I was thinking about some wood I have to split tomorrow ; I first split wood on a trip to his home in Deerfield on a Saturday field trip with some classmates of mine. Sorry to read he has passed, but impressed to read about the details of his life that I had missed as a 14 year old. He was a good man and a gr
eat teacher. Rest In Peace
August 27, 2014
Janice Watson
I don't know if you'll get this, Beaty, but I hope so. You were a mentor/teacher to me when I was a student at the Lab School at U. Mass in 1973-74. You also were willing to drive to Falmouth on the Cape to oversee my year of student teaching. At any rate, I've often wondered how you have been. I am sorry to see your loss and glad to see that you have children nearby. I do remember you being related to an episcopal minister - I couldn't remember if it was your husband or father... I will leave my email, and hope to hear from you when you have the time. I spent 30 years in the classroom teaching 1st, Developmental K-1st, more 1st, 15 years in 4th, 3rd for a year, and finished doing some administrative work. Those years were life-changing ones for me and I'm ever grateful for your help in guiding me. May the Lord bless you and keep you and shine His light upon you every day - reminding you how great is His love, mercy, and grace to help us embrace all the changes life brings. Prayers and hugs, Janice
May 21, 2014
Lawrence Graham
Dear Rachel and Mrs. Blain--I am sorry to hear of your father and husband's passing. Pamela and I are making a donation to Eaglebrook School in his honor. He was a very accomplished and generous man. He clearly had many fans. Best regards, Lawrence Graham (Eaglebrook School Parent)
April 16, 2014
With love to all in the Blain family,
Knowing Nathan, Sue and their extraordinary kids, it is no surprise to discover upon visiting this page that the father behind the father we know was so very accomplished and caring. Nathan, you carry on his example in your life and work.
We mourn your loss, celebrate his life, and hold you in our hearts,
Derek and Ellen van Bever
April 11, 2014
Roland & Martha Young
Dear Beaty, Rachel, Sarah, Nathan and Peter
During the past month we have continued to think of
You. Judd was a delightful man and I have many memories of
him and all of you as a family. May God give you strength as you
grieve and adjust over time to Judd's absence. He lived with
Strength, exuberance and Joy and was a blessing to all.
With our Love. Roland and Martha Young
April 9, 2014
Lucy Brown
Dear Beaty, it is my loss for not ever having had the joy and friendship of your beloved Judd. Too many years have slipped by since we have been in touch, but that doesn't diminish the wonderful loving memories of our wonderful days at SMS! That includes the special times we had at your family home in Manchester, NH! My love and prayers are with you and your dear family during this sad period for you all!
much love!!
Lucy Sisson Brown
April 9, 2014
April 9, 2014
Dear Beaty,
Herman and I were so sorry to know of Judd's passing. We spent a lovely day with you in 2008. Thank you so much.
Lee & Herman Meyer, Tulsa, OK
April 8, 2014
Kevin McKelvey
Dearest Blains,
My thoughts are with you all. We will celebrate Judd's incredible life and contributions this weekend. He defined "zest for life". To me, he was a virtual Dad...making interactions so easy, funny and full of joy - even as a nitwit kid.
There was so much about Judd to remember through the years. Sunday church, holiday "Blain Caroling", ballgames, family dinners, fun in the garden...Most vividly, I will always cherish our 14 hour carride in the Blain van to Lake of Bays ON. Judd and I traveled alone through the north country together that summer. It was my introduction to Kurt Vonnegut books on tape...seedy upstate NY diners and a car inspection at the border. It was also the summer I tipped Judd in his canoe. He gave few stern warnings I remember as a kid - but one I won't soon forget was as follows:
"My Dear Kevin, I have few rules here at Savage Den. Frankly, only one. Never ever stand up in the canoe". Alas, I was a distracted young teen. We toppled. He shivered, dried off - and within a few hours - the hallowed Reverend forgave me of my canoeing sin!
Judd was my Dad's best friend. His mentor too. It's amazing that he could play such a role with two generations in my family. But Judd was timeless and will remain timeless. I take his spirit and enthusiasm with me in all interactions - his positive glow had that kind of impact throughout my life.
Judd married my wife Liza and I - with my father at his side. It was a shape of the most beautiful people I have had the pleasure of knowing.
April 7, 2014
Laura and Jim Pratt-Woodberry
Dear Beaty, Rachel, Sarah, Nathan and Peter,
We am so sad to hear of Judd's passing. We hold his booming voice, huge heart and forever twinkle in our hearts. He touched so many, many people and we are two of them. We are thinking of you all at this sad time and send you all our love. Laura and Jimmy
April 5, 2014
Dine Dellenback
Beaty, your SMS classmates are with you in spirit through the coming days. Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family
March 27, 2014
Ted Thornton
Dear Beaty, I was very saddened to hear of Judd's passing. I will miss his warmth and his wonderful sense of humor. Bless you and your family, and may you find peace and comfort in his memory.
March 26, 2014
Claudia Lyons
Beaty, Thanks to Judd's insistence that DA was the school where I should teach, I signed on the dotted line... and am still here. I loved having him as my Dean of Faculty and remember fondly his hearty laugh, his quick wit, and his oh-so-kind heart. Heaven now has another angel.
March 21, 2014
Dick Peller
Dear Beaty,
I have been away for a while, and just learned of your dear Judd's death. Please accept my deepest condolences. You and Judd were an inspiration to me and Mec, and I wish you strength and good memories.
March 20, 2014
Sunny Miller
March 20, 2014
Sunny Miller
Judd's loving kindness was full of courage. He saw beauty everywhere, and gathered it up.
I love the way he made you laugh, Beaty!
He knew how to knit time into something wonderful, didn't he?
If I gather stray twigs into a bouquet, if I feel frail and decide to be strong anyway, if I simplify any collection, I am learning to knit with him. When I love children or youths just met, when I share a book, a bowl of soup, a song or a gentle truth, I will be standing in your shoes, dear Judd.
Wednesday, March 12, my car quit halfway to Massachusetts. That night in Pennsylvania the moon, the winds, and cold were all so strong. It took a lot to pull you away from so many who love and admire you. Enough of pain; we let go!
It was so good to still hear Judd's voice on the answering machine, after. Maybe there's another recording somewhere to share. Judd would forgive me for wanting more.
Thanks to all who sang him away, and beamed back the love he showed.
March 19, 2014
Carolyn Church Pitcher
So very to hear of Judd's passing. I know without any doubt the my husband Joel Church will be greetin him as he reachs the beautiful heaven. God bless the Blain family.
March 18, 2014
Rose Westbrook
Peter & Lisa, my condolences to you and your family. I pray that you will find some sense of comfort in the memories of your Dad and through your faith.
March 18, 2014
Harriet Paine
I am so very sorry to hear of Judd's passing and I am holding you all very close to my heart. I fondly remember Judd agreeing to sit for a portrait while I was a photography student and recall his beautifully hand beaded stole. He touched so many lives on so many levels and in so very many ways. A contemplatives of the highest order. Judd raised our level of awareness and consciousness through the activities of his daily life. Thank you, Judd.
March 18, 2014
Jeremy Clark
I was fortunate to have Mr. Blain as both a teacher and basketball coach at Eaglebrook. He was great teacher and a nice man.
My condolences to Mr. Blain's family.
March 18, 2014
Carol & Ken Whitaker
All our love to all of you and each of you. Judd was very dear to us and we will miss him greatly. So lucky to have been included in so much of his and your lives over the many years. We have the many great memories, though are very sad we will not create more. Best to you all. You are in our hearts.
March 17, 2014
Beaty, Rachel, Sarah, Nathan & Peter. So sorry for Judd's passing. Really nice man. Many fond memories of him while at Lake of Bays, both growing up and as an adult. I, and everyone else will miss him. Love, Kim
March 17, 2014
Caitlin LaPlante
I am so sorry to hear about Judd. He was an amazing man and I'm happy I had the pleasure to sing with him.
March 16, 2014
Beaty and family, We are so sorry to read of Judd's passing. He was a very special person and we are richer for having known such a wonderful man. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jerry and Mary Currie Reid
March 16, 2014
Rosa Ramsey-Wilson
Sadden by Fa. Judd's journey home. He officiated at my wedding in March 27th, 1965 St.James Episcopal church, Cannon Ball ND. Rest in Peace my friend
March 16, 2014
Gretchen Tucker
I met Judd in fall if 2003 my first semester in college at GCC in the chorus. We sang the Vivaldi Gloria togethet that semester. I knew Judd for 11 years. Even though we had some gaps in being a part of the chorus we always came to support the choir every semester. We became a family and that was our reunion. I felt very close to him. This next concert that I will go to in April will be difficult but he is with us and singing down on us from heaven. I owe Judd for introducing me to the love of my life. We were in the right place at the right time. I don't know how I would ever repay him for that. We love and miss him dearly.
March 16, 2014
gabe temesvari
Agnes and I are very saddened to read of Judd's passing. We remember him with fondness and our thoughts are with you Beatie. Gabe
March 16, 2014
Donna Hathaway
I was saddened to hear of Judd's passing. He was always so uplifting, kind, I will always remember our meetings in the grocery store!RIP Judd~
March 16, 2014
RIP Judd. I will always remember our meetings in the grocery store! Donna Hathaway~
March 15, 2014
Gayle Rivers
I am sadden by judds passing. Rest in peace. I remember singing with you at gcc.
March 15, 2014
We are so sad to hear of dear Judd's passing. Our whole family was truly blessed to have counted him as a friend. We can remember at Sara and Rez's wedding, after his wonderful blessing of the oouple, Judd singing in his wonderful booming voice, "Siyahamb' ekukhanyen' kwenkwos" (we didn't even know he knew Xhosa!)Truly, as the song says, he is "marching in the light of God." With love to Beaty and all the family, KO and Des
March 15, 2014
Brad Barkin
I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Blain's passing. He was a fabulous teacher and a lot of fun to be around. Few other faculty members could make an 8th grader enthusiastic to read books during the week, then split firewood on Saturday morning in exchange for conversation (and doughnuts). - Brad Barkin, EBS 1996
March 15, 2014
Carole and David Cowles
We were so saddened to learn of Judd's death. His wonderful cheerful demeanor always brightened our day. He is one of our fond memories of Eaglebrook. Our thoughts are with all of you.
March 15, 2014
Dee
March 15, 2014
Lill Van Order
Beaty and all the Blain family we are so sorry but so honored and glad that Judd was part of our family's lives on so many levels. We are also so glad that we had some time with him and Bella had the opportunity to meet you last summer. Even at 4 months old she loved his voice and could not take her eyes off him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, The Van Orders
March 15, 2014
Binky Melnik
Rachel and Sarah (and Peter and Nathan), I'm sorry you lost your dad. I remember his booming voice, and how funny he was. He was very cool, and wasn't frightening, the way other kids' dads were. I actually looked forward to seeing him, and he didn't proselytize, something I admired about him. You had a great dad there, and for that, you were very lucky. Mrs Blaine, I'm very sorry you lost your husband, too. I'm thinking of you all, and sending you love and hugs and hope that your memories will help comfort you in your grief.
March 15, 2014
Deanne Brochu
A beacon of light that shines for all. Judd never hid his love of people under a bushel. He will always live int the hearts of my family.
March 15, 2014
Duncan Elliott
Rachel, Andy and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Duncan, Jackie and James at Hickory Hill Kennel
March 15, 2014
I am so sorry to hear this. Mr. Blain was a wonderful man who left me with many great memories of time at EBS. Saturday activities that he invented were especially fun, including taking a group of us boys to a park in Deerfield to ride BMX bikes. He's a great man, and no question will be missed. You are all in my thoughts, very much.
March 15, 2014
Connie Poppke
Hello to my ND friends in MA. God be with you in your sadness. Judd 's life brought God's blessings to all of us who are saddened by his leaving our life together. I especially remember singing the ND song when we saw each other. I loved that spontaneity and sharing of our ND past.
March 14, 2014
Judy Saldi(Conroy)
Judd Blain as well as the whole family made a lasting impression on me. The love, humor and kindness he expressed will always stay with me. I got a kick out of the nickname he gave me,Conrack". My love and condolences to you all.
March 14, 2014
Virginia Chapman Belser
Rachel and Sarah-
I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was such a powerful, welcoming and gentle person. I knew him briefly but was touched deeply. Do know that he will live on in your hearts.
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more