Andre Blay Obituary

Andre Blay

Bonita Springs, FL - Andre Blay, 81, of Bonita Springs, FL passed away on August 24, 2018, surrounded by his family. Andre was born in Mount Clemens, MI, the son of Robert & Agnes Blay. He was married to Nancy Fleming on December 6th, 1957 in Mt. Pleasant, MI. He was a loyal Michigan State University Spartan, receiving his B.A. in 1959, his M.B.A. in 1977, and eventually becoming the director and president of the MSU Foundation. Andre served his country in the ROTC and the U.S. Army Reserves. Known as the pioneer of the home video revolution, Andre founded the Magnetic Video Corporation in 1969. In 1977 MVC became the first company to release theatrical motion pictures on videocassette, launching the industry that enabled people to bring movies from the theaters into their homes. His many awards include induction into the Video Hall of Fame and Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame, MSU Business Alumni of Year, and CMU Executive in Residence.

Andre was also the producer of many films and the author of Pre-Recorded History, his entrepreneurial memoir.In retirement, Andre shared his passionate business spirit by speaking to MSU M.B.A. students, UCLA law students, Central Michigan University Business School, High Point University entrepreneur students, and Florida Gulf Coast University students.

He is survived by Nancy, his loving wife of 60 years, their children Robert (Miriam) of Granby, CO, and Cynthia (David) of Falmouth, ME, and their grandchildren, Mae, Annie (Brian), Stephanie, Madison, and Mackenzie. Andre is also survived by loving nieces, nephews, and their families. To be a part of Andre's family was to know unconditional love, support, and great times.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any gifts be made in Andre's memory to the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation for the benefit of the Bower School of Music at the following address:

Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, In memory of Andre Blay, Attn: Chris Simoneau, 10501 FGCU Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33965 or to the Mae B. Fleming Endowment Fund at: CMU, Carlin Alumni House, 524 E. Bellows St., Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.

Online condolences may be offered at www.shikanyfuneralhome.com

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

Published by Hometown Weekly Newspapers on Aug. 30, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Andre Blay

11 Entries

Dennis Blay

September 22, 2018

Sending condolences from Southern CA. While we never had the pleasure of meeting, our grandfathers were brothers. My grandfather was Clarence Blay and Andre's grandpa was Andrew Blay. I was born and raised in New Baltimore, Michigan. Warm sympathies to his family

James Menoutes

September 15, 2018

The memories i have of Mr Blay are the following,,,
He had a voice and a smile that said class,, As a child growing up at Higgins lake I also remember his parents ,,as they say they apple doesn't fall far from the tree ,, Grandma made some killer cookies !!! He was a man that enjoyed life and loved taking a swim up and down the gold cost ,,, slow and easy ,, just as his Mannerisms were ... he was smooth !! As my dad would say a class horse.. the man loved fire works and cigars ,,, every 4th grandpa Blay and son would ligh up the beach ,,, My sympathies to the family ,, he will always be remembered

Jay Barry

September 1, 2018

I enjoyed working for him over 50 years ago at Sterodyne. Great man. Sorry for your loss.

August 31, 2018

Thank you for your service.

August 30, 2018

You have my condolences. May the many happy memories shared play in your minds and hearts. Very soon we will share the words spoken by the Apostle Paul of death, Where is your sting? (Hosea 12:14) God would eventually swallow up death forever and nullify its victory.
This will soon prove to be true. What a wonderful time that will be.

Lynn & Dave Kimpel

August 28, 2018

Sorry to the family on the loss of Andre. He was a good man and friend. Many fun times were had with Andre and the Blay family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!

Lucille Kimpel

Lynn and Dave Kimpel

Maureen Rude

August 28, 2018

Dear Cindy - We were so very sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. Bob and I feel fortunate that we had the opportunity to spend time with your Mom and Dad at FGCU events in Florida. Your Dad will be missed by many for his generosity, kindness and
concern for others. May He Rest In Peace. Love, Bob and Maureen

August 28, 2018

So sorry for your loss Cindy. How blessed you were to have such a great, loving father.

August 27, 2018

Our condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. Isa
61:1

E G

August 27, 2018

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)