Blair Brown

Just happened to find this obituary. I worked for Blair back in the early 90´s. Charratte was responsible for converting many architects from paper and pencil to CAD. I can´t recall meeting too many people I could respect and admire more than I did for him.

Dear Carol and family,

I am sorry to hear of Blair's passing. I became acquainted with Blair when I was a student trustee at Hampshire during Blair's time on the board. He was incredibly funny, generous in spirit, and considerate.

I remember his love of jazz and sailing. My fondest memory of Blair is time spent with him and the board at your lovely home in Rhode Island. I've thought of him over the years. I wish you peace and blessings. May you find solace in the great work Blair did on this earth.

Barbara Reyes

Dear Carol,
I am so sorry for your family's loss. Your husband sounds like an amazing man! I am writing for my mother, Edie (Atkinson) (Shank) Rodman, who was your classmate at Hartford City. We are visiting Indiana this week from Bartlesville, OK (where we both live), and you and your friendship have been on mom's mind a lot-- I know you as her smart and determined friend! I hope you are well, and if you'd like to contact mom, her email is [email protected] and mine is [email protected].
Wishing your family peace and happy memories.
~Vanessa Drummond

Blair gave me my first real job. He supported me throughout my career and was always cheerful and funny.
I'm so sorry to hear of his passing.

I am saddened to hear of Blair's passing. I served with him on the Boards of both The Cantata Singers and Montserrat College of Art. He was a good man. I enjoyed the time we worked together. He was always insightful and inspired others to greater things. I know he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace. Bob Powers

I will miss the warmth of Blair's friendship and the inspiration of his leadership in the NEC community.
Jack Hornor

I was shopping for drafting pencils in the new Charrette store on Lexington Avenue sometime in the mid 80s as I recall, wearing my yellow sailing slicker, when I was approached by Blair who just wanted to chat about sailing.
After a few minutes he found out that I was an Architect with a practice designing showrooms, exhibits, display, and retail stores, and out of that conversation came my redesigning the Lexington Avenue store and then their new location on 45th Street and Fifth Avenue.
It was the dawn of the computer era for small office and residential use, and a good bit of that Charrette store was devoted to a department highlighting those new products.
After the opening, he wrote me a very kind letter, stating that it was their best store design yet, an accolade that I appreciated, since he was one of my most design-oriented clients.
We obviously became friends, and as his business expanded, and as my practice expanded, seemed to find it harder and harder to keep in touch, distance aside.
He was a special person, I was privileged to know and work with him, and my condolences to his family, and other friends are sincere.

We at Montserrat College of Art are sorry to hear of Blair's passing. Blair was a wonderful trustee during his service to the college and we were sorry to see his term end. His love for the students and passion for the creative life were always inspirational.
We wish his family all the best as they go through this very sad time.
Jo Broderick
Dean of College Relations
Montserrat College of Art
Beverly, MA

I was saddened to read about the passing of Blair. A true character. Blair was a visionary. Fun to work for and with he was a great teacher. I am glad our paths crossed at Charrettes in those early years even if it was for a short time. My condolences to his family.