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F. REEVES Obituary
F. Blair Reeves, 89, Professor Emeritus of Architecture at the University of Florida, died on March 12, 2012.
Born in Beaumont, Texas, Blair served in the infantry during World War II. He met his wife Mary Nell Gibson at the University of Texas. They moved to Gainesville in 1949 when Blair joined the architectural faculty. As an architect specializing in education and preservation, Blair established architectural preservation programs and, with Walter Beinecke, co-founded the Preservation Institute: Nantucket (PI:N), now in its 40th year. Blair and his family always considered his students as part of their extended family.
Blair's preservation career included the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) advisory board and various positions in local and state chapters of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He was a member of AIA's College of Fellows. As AIA's State Preservation Coordinator for Florida, he supervised publication of a guide to Florida's historic architecture.
A Trustee Emeritus of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and one of the founders of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, Blair received the National Trust's Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award, the Department of Interior's Conservation Service Award, and Florida Trust's 1998 Evelyn Fortune Bartlett Award for Lifetime Achievement in Preservation Stewardship. Other honors included National Council for Preservation Education's Award for Distinguished Leadership, AIA Presidential Citation, and Florida Trust's Distinguished Service Award. In 1988, the Governor and Cabinet passed a resolution acknowledging his many contributions to the preservation movement in Florida. In 1995, the Beinecke-Reeves Distinguished Professor Chair in Architectural Preservation was established. In 2005, Blair received the Senator Bob Williams Award given in recognition of his public service that forever changed the course of historic preservation in Florida.
Blair is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Nell, his son, Bill (Grace) and 3 grandchildren, Jordan (Kate), Annie Kate and Will. A family memorial service will be held in Tallahassee. Memorial donations may be made to the F. Blair and Mary Nell Reeves Endowment for Historic Preservation, University of Florida Foundation, PO Box 14425, Gainesville, FL 32604-2425.
Arrangements are under the care of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
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Memories and Condolences
for F. REEVES
Suzanne Barnes
March 26, 2012
I am so sorry to hear the news-- Professor Reeves was my beloved mentor in college and beyond and MaryNell was always the gracious hostess to the architecture students in Gainesville and Preservation Institute: Nantucket. Thank you for your incredible service to Historic Preservation and to the state of Florida and to UF. You are forever beloved and in our hearts.
Lauren Curry
March 21, 2012
Dear Mary Nell, Bill and Family: I was saddened to hear the news of Blair's passing. I remember him so vividly as a little girl of being a 'gentle giant' and always a smile to hand out. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Laurie
March 19, 2012
Bill, Grace and family....We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Although we didn't know your father well, we did delight in meeting him and your mother Mary Nell when they came for the holidays that time and really enjoyed the intellectual discussions. Your father had such a distinguished career but was so modest about his many accomplishments. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Kind regards, Donna and Linda
Lewis Brown
March 18, 2012
Blair was one of those extraordinary teachers who was able to quietly encourage his students to the next level. He was a true southern gentleman. Thank you, Blair.
John Hixenbaugh
March 16, 2012
Professor Reeves was one of the few professors I've never forgotten. His influence has been with me during these past 26 years since attending PI: Nantucket in 1986. It was one of the happiest summers of my life and I've been privileged to have my hands in historic preservation ever since. My sincerest condolences to Mary Nell and his family.
Florence Snyder
March 16, 2012
What a wonderful life he lived, and what a great legacy he left for his family, his profession, and his state. Heartfelt condolences,
Florence
Jim Conner
March 16, 2012
It is very sad to lose such a fine, vibrant friend and neighbor. We plan to toast him with a few Green Devils very soon. Cheers, Blair!
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