JACK BLAIR

JACK BLAIR Jack Blair, devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, World War II veteran and early Miamian passed away February 4th, at the age of 90 after a short stay at The Hospice House in Vero Beach. He is survived by Beverley, his wife of seventy years, his four children, Leslie, Laura, David, and John and their respective spouses Larry, Mike, Teresa and Julie in addition to nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Jack came to South Florida from Scotland as an infant with his parents Grace and David Blair. He grew up in Dade County during its early days of developing. Jack graduated from Miami Beach High School where he excelled in all sports but tennis always remained his favorite. He achieved national ranking while still at Beach High. Awarded a full tennis scholarship to Presbyterian College, Jack enlisted instead in the Army Air Corps, before he was drafted for WWII. Jack served as a Second Lieutenant in the Eighth Aero Squadron as a Lead Bombadier. He flew thirty missions over Germany. Jack was General Manager and Vice President of Gulfstream Race Track, Hallendale, Florida, for forty-five years. He was instrumental in the success of Gulfstream. Jack was always active in tennis. He won the Florida State Doubles title three times. He was President of the Florida Junior Tennis Association, then the Florida Tennis Association and was inducted into the Dade County and Florida Tennis Halls of Fame. He served as USTA Regional Vice President for five years. He also formed the Youth Tennis Foundation and served as its president for twenty-five years. Jack was inducted into the USTA's Major Wingfield Club, honoring his contributions to tennis. A celebration of Jack's life is planned for Sunday, March 3rd at 3 P.M., at Vero Beach Unity Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unity Memorial Garden, 950 N.E. 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or the Florida Youth Tennis Foundation, Post Office Box 49057, St. Petersburg, FL 33743-9057. Paid Obituary