Obituary of Wilson George Blair
Blair, Wilson George
December 14, 1938 - February 16, 2025
With sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Wilson George Blair on February 16th, 2025 at Lanark Lodge. Wilson was born in 1938 in Carlton, the son of Wilson Blair Sr. and Agnes (Perry) Blair. Wilson valued education, precision, and independence. As a young man, he left his family farm and worked on the Canadian Steamship Lines' Lake Freighters to put himself through school.
Wilson worked in several senior management roles in the Turbine Division of Westinghouse, first in Hamilton and then in Renfrew. Wilson believed firmly in his workers and often said that if you hired the right people, then as a manager, you should be able to close your office door and drop dead, and your people would never notice.
After thirty years with Westinghouse and the closing of the Renfrew plant, Wilson founded Blairfield Industrial Controls, a consulting firm that specialized in modernizing computer control systems for manufacturing assembly lines in Western Quebec and Eastern Ontario. The company also had several contracts dealing with engine room control systems with the Canadian Navy.
In 1989, Wilson married the love of his life, Sheila (predeceased in 2019). They moved to Perth in 1991 and fell in love with the community, refusing to move anywhere else.
When he wasn't working on an engineering problem, Wilson could be found on his property overlooking the Ottawa River in Renfrew. Wilson loved woodworking and photography and would spend countless hours on various projects in his workshop.
He was a father figure to Sheila's son, Chris Erskine and Chris' wife, Mary-Claire. He was a loving "Papa George" to his granddaughters, Samantha and Abigail, and he enjoyed their academic achievements.
We want to express our appreciation to several good friends of Wilson. Cathy Hansen and Larry Bergeron were a never-ending source of smiles, wisdom, and kindness to Sheila and Wilson. Chris and Mary are forever grateful for their help and support during these final years. To Nanci Hornbeck for her countless visits and coffees with Wilson. To Jim Miller, who was such a great help to the family. Finally, a note of thank you to the staff of Lanark Lodge, who made Wilson's brief stay most welcoming.
Wilson was a quiet man who was always kind and gentle. He will be missed.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a private inurnment in the spring. Arrangements are in the care of Blair & Son Funeral Directors, Perth.
