Edmund B. Hawley

1924 - 2017

Edmund Blair Hawley passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. He was 93. Known as Blair, he was a long-time Winchester resident. Blair is survived by his wife of 67 years, Greta Crocker Hawley, their six children, twelve grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Born in New York City in 1924 to Edmund S. Hawley and Dagmar Perkins Hawley, Blair was a championship level tennis player and graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy and YaleUniversity. His studies at Yale were interrupted by World War II and Blair was deployed to the Philippines as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Field Artillery. Blair served as an intelligence officer later in the war. Blair resumed his studies after the war and attended Harvard Business School, receiving an MBA. In the post-war boom, Blair was a management consultant and venture capital executive but his most perceptive investment decision was to marry Greta Crocker in 1949. They moved to Winchester and started a family in 1952. Blair and Greta lovingly raised their five sons, Don, Kip, Blair, Lee, and Cameron and their daughter, Victoria. Blair was very engaged with his children and there were frequent travel, learning and sporting activities throughout the years. Blair was active in civic and government affairs, serving in senior capacities in state government as well as the Civil Defense effort. Blair taught Business at Phillips Exeter Academy and Belmont Hill School. He enjoyed his volunteer work at the Winchester Hospital, as well as special projects such as helping the U.S. Census Bureau. Blair was a prolific writer and student of the English language and was an early participant in AOLs online learning program. Throughout his later years, Blair kept his sharp wit and keen sense of humor. To his grandchildren, Blair was always a source of words, wisdom and practical lessons. Always a favorite of care-givers, Blair offered a clever observation and often a seashell from his collection to those with whom he interacted. A proud service member and patriot, Blair delighted in sharing stories, especially those related to his service in World War II. A towering presence and beloved family member, Blairs passing is deeply mourned. His vibrant legacy carries forth to three generations and to the many people he encountered along the way. Blair is lovingly remembered by his wife Greta, sons Don (Pam), Kip (Janet), Blair (Roberta), Lee (Nandini), Cameron (Suzanne), daughter Victoria Rome (Larry), and grandchildren and great- grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in his honor payable to the Heidbreder Fund at Winchester Hospital, Center for Cancer Care, 620 Washington St., Winchester, MA 01890. Blair would, also, suggest that you learn a new word and use it.