Frank C. Blair Jr.

Frank C. Blair, Jr., DDS Frank C. Blair, Jr., DDS of Long Beach, CA, died on January 10, 2011, at the age of 92. Frank was born on August 1, 1918 in Long Beach, CA to parents Frank and Alta Blair. He attended Long Beach schools and graduated from Wilson High School in 1936. After two years at Long Beach City College, Frank went on to USC where he received his B.S. and his D.D.S. degrees in 1942. During World War II, Frank was commissioned into the US Navy Dental Corp in 1942. He was assigned as Lt. (j.g) USN aboard the USS New Jersey, the first dentist for the ship's inaugural tour of duty in the South Pacific. He also served as a dentist for the Marine Corp from 1945-46 in San Diego, CA. On January 20, 1945 he married Ruth Caryl in Los Angeles, CA. In 1946, he completed his active duty and returned to Long Beach, CA to establish his own dental practice until 1991. From 1991-1995, Frank had an emergency weekend dental practice in Avalon, CA. Frank was passionate about music. He played the saxophone and clarinet and in numerous bands and orchestras- the Windjammers, LB Symphony Orchestra, in church on Sundays, the Yachtsmen and the USC Marching Band. A favorite pastime was to serenade Avalon Harbor from the bow of his boat or his balcony. Frank's enthusiasm for music contributed to the growth and development of local public schools and alma maters, Wilson HS, LBCC and USC. Frank was generous and persistent in his vision that kids deserve the best of all chances to succeed. He spent much of his time and efforts raising money for public school programs. He was loved and respected as a doer and an outspoken advocate of what was best for students. He had a deep commitment to supporting youth and their programs through financial assistance, praise, mentorship, and encouragement for pursuit of a higher education. Frank was a member of the El Bekal Shrine, Masonic Lodge #389, Long Beach Elks, USC Dental School Board of Counselors, ADA, CDA, president of the Harbor Dental Society, Children's Dental Health Foundation, Catalina Conservancy, Avalon VFW Post # 4682, Avalon Booster Club, Wilson HS Booster Club, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Long Beach Yacht Club, Marina Yacht Club-Commodore '68, past commander of the Long Beach U.S. Power Squadron and the USS New Jersey BB-62 Veterans. Frank donated thousands of hours to youth-building causes. He provided free dental screening for local school children, campaigned for fluoridated water in Long Beach and was active in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, Indian Guides, Gray Y and Youth Baseball Associated teams. Some of his greatest accomplishments were working closely with the Santa Catalina Island Company, LBUSD and philanthropist Cliff Tucker to build the Little Red School House at Two Harbors and rebuilding the Campanile Tower at Wilson High School. Frank and his wife were world travelers enjoying over 50 cruises. He was an avid sports fan with a special love for Angels baseball (original Angels season ticket holder) and USC football. He enjoyed becoming a member of the USC Scholarship Club and traveling with the Trojan football team. Frank was always there cheering on his grandchildren at various sporting events. Frank is survived by his wife, Ruth. Their children are Frank C. Blair III (Wanda), Nancy Blair, Peter Blair (Donna) and Robert Blair (Karen). Their grandchildren are Christina Blair Keene (David), Timothy, Scott (Genni), Cara, Jonathon, Travis, Casey, Lindsay Pedersen, Kyle and Heidi. Their great-grandchildren are Jackson Keene and Thomas Blair. Viewing will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at Covenant Presbyterian Church Chapel (607 E. 3rd St., Long Beach, CA 90802) from 7-9pm. Memorial service to be held on Friday, January 21, 2011 at 12 noon at Covenant Presbyterian Church (607 E. 3rd St., Long Beach, CA 90802) with a celebration of life reception to follow at 1:30pm at the Long Beach Yacht Club (6201 E. Appian Way, Long Beach, CA 90803). In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to: Long Beach City College Foundation (4901 E. Carson Long Beach, 90808, ATTN: Frank C. Blair Scholarship); Wilson HS Band (4400 E. 10th St., Long Beach, CA 90804 ATTN: Meredith Heggie - ASB Banker, checks payable to "Wilson Band") Community Hospital Long Beach Foundation (1720 Termino Ave., Long Beach 90804). Please sign the guestbook at www.presstelegram.com/obituaries.