BLAIR, ROLAND STAPLES - The family of Roland Staples Blair, "Roly" of Fredericton, sadly announces his passing at the Veterans Health Unit on Friday, July 5th, 2013, just shy of his 105th birthday. Roly was born in Woodstock, August 22, 1908. He grew up in Fredericton where he entered the work force at an early age, and moved to positions in the automotive industry in Chatham and Halifax. Always a leader, he was Service Manager at Universal Sales in Halifax when he enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1939. He often spoke proudly of entering as a "buck" private and finishing WWII as a Captain. He commanded motor vehicle and mortar divisions and saw service and battle in Italy with such battle points as Aeielli, Liri Valley, Lombardi Plains, Ortona and Monti Cassino. The troops then moved on to action in France and The Netherlands when the War ended. He and his family moved back to Fredericton where he again entered the automotive industry in various employment or entrepreneurial capacities. He accepted a position with the Government of Canada as Civilian Personnel Officer at Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay, before his retirement. He then lived for a time in Black River, NB, and Jeddore Oyster Pond near Halifax. A life-long, self-taught musician, he played piano, trombone, banjo and ukulele and served in the Fredericton Marching Band and with Walter McGinn's Fredericton orchestra. His talent and humour always found him surrounded by a wide circle of friends. Roly is survived by his son, Fred (Wanda), two grand-sons, Christopher Roland Blair and Duncan Lawrence Blair, five great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife, Vern (Stewart), a son, Roy, sister Celia Smith, brother, Fred Blair, and daughters in law, Marilyn Blair and Allison Blair. The family is so grateful to the management and staff of the Veterans Health Unit where his care during the last few years was second to none. They not only gave comfort and stimulation but also enriched his life with great kindness and attention.
A funeral service will be held in the J.A. McAdam Memorial Chapel, 160 York St., on Wednesday, July 10th, 2013 at 6 pm with Rev. Bob Jones officiating. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 4 will hold a tribute during the funeral. A reception will follow the service. Burial will be at a later date in the Riverside Cemetery, Miramichi. For those who wish, donations in Roly's memory can be made to the Canadian War Museum or to The Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 4. Online condolences can be made at www.mcadamsfh.com, 458-9170.