6-18-43 - 8-23-19 John Angus McDowell Blue, devoted husband and father, skilled attorney, and loyal friend, died on Friday, August 23, 2019 of natural causes. He was 76 years old. Born in Cumberland, MD in 1943, John was raised in Romney, WV. He received a degree in chemical engineering from Carnegie Tech University, now called Carnegie Mellon. After college, he worked for Union Carbide as a chemical engineer before becoming an officer in the U.S. Navy. John served in Vietnam with the Navy SeaBees during the Tet Offensive. He finished his tour of duty in Scotland, where he developed a love of Scotch and golf, and decided to pursue a career in law. He earned his J.D. from Harvard University Law School in 1972 and married Elizabeth "Betsy" Alt two months later. John worked for Hughes Hubbard & Reed in New York, NY for a year before accepting an offer to work out of the firm's newly formed Los Angeles office. John and Betsy settled in Pasadena, CA in 1975, and raised their daughter Catherine there. John was a partner at Adams Duque & Hazeltine from 1979 to 1996. He then established the Law Offices of John A. Blue, which grew into Blue Schoor & Diehl LLP. At Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church, John led two capital campaigns and served as church president from 1990-92. John was a co-founder of Jericho Road, whose mission is to pair non-profits with volunteering professionals to help these organizations clarify and achieve their goals. He served as the first president of Jericho Road's board. John is survived by his wife, Betsy Blue, his daughter, Catherine Blue Holmes, his son-in-law, Ryan Holmes, his grandchildren, Jane and Thomas, his "co-grandparents," Bob and Mary Fauvre Holmes, his brother, David Blue, and his sister and brother-in-law, Julia and Don Weir. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Jericho Road Pasadena or Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church. Cabot and Sons Funeral Home (626) 793-7159

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Published by Pasadena Star-News on Aug. 27, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for John Blue

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10 Entries

Russell Kuykendall

July 21, 2020

To Betsy, Catherine and your family, I am sorry for your loss. John's dad, John, and my grandfather, Gene Kuykendall, were first cousins. But after Gene's mother died when he was nine years old, they were raised together with another cousin, George Herriott, more as brothers than cousins, according to my grandfather. John's late mother, Madeline, was a delight to visit when I stopped by on trips to Romney and Mineral County, from the mid-80s forward. She spoke fondly of Catherine! I looked up John by phone when his mother died. I am sorry I did not take up his gracious invitation to stop by for a visit when I passed through Los Angeles on business. No doubt you have many good and precious memories of John. Your Canadian cousin, Russell, Ottawa, Ontario

Mike Faulkner

April 27, 2020

Very sad to just find out about John's untimely passing.
What an absolute gentleman.
I'm a English airline pilot who used to layover in Pasadena.
John once joined our group on the course at Brookside and was a hit with everyone. I kept in touch with John and played golf with him regularly on my visits.
I really liked John and I enjoyed his company immensely.
He was such a kind, gentle and humble soul. Fiercely intelligent but self-deprecating with it.
He talked constantly about Betsy and his daughter and his granddaughter. He literally lit up whenever he got the chance to talk about his granddaughter!
I never had the privilege to meet his family but I have no doubt that he was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.
I enjoyed reading John's obituary. He had told me his life story over many days on the golf course. John was a great raconteur and reading his obituary reminded me of the occasions John told me his stories first hand.
John saw the goodness in everything.
I haven't seen John for a few years as my fleet stopped flying the LA route.
I will miss my good friend John.
I feel very privileged to have met him.
I like to think that some of his kindness and charity has rubbed off on me and I am a better person for having known John.
Tonight, I will pour myself a glass of my very favourite single malt and I will raise it to John Blue.

William Kent

November 22, 2019

I am saddened to just learn of John's death. My condolences to his wife and children. I worked as an associate at Adams Duque & Hazeltine in 1980-81 and will never forget his kindness in inviting me to share Thanksgiving with his family at their home. I was alone in California, having moved there from Florida after law school. Every Thanksgiving for the past 39 years I have remembered that meal with John and his family. He was a kind and good man. I lost my wife last year and I know how profound grief can be with the loss of a spouse who is loved. To love and be loved is the greatest thing in this world.

Marjorie Erway

September 8, 2019

Sending love to entire family. I'll always remember John and am glad our families met at Neighborhood Church! Life has definitely now changed completely, and I hope happy memories return quickly.

JoAnn Lach Smith

September 2, 2019

My deepest condolences. Paul and I loved our visits with you and John. Paul relied on John's legal skills, friendship, and good judgment throughout the years, as he told me many times. Also, Paul and I were so grateful for John's efforts to secure for Paul the best medical care when Paul got sick. John was a mensch - a good and wise man of integrity. He will be much missed. JoAnn Lach Smith

August 31, 2019

Heartfelt condolences to the family. May God give your heart peace and comfort.

Ted Alt

August 29, 2019

I am saddened by John's death and thoughtful of his family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Edward Alt

August 29, 2019

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

August 27, 2019

I'm so sorry; my heart goes out to you for your loss. There are no words to express our sadness when a love one passes but our loving God knows how you feel and comforts us with His word. (John 6:40 NWT)

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