Gary Blair

Gary Edward Blair, age 75, of Rothsay, MN, died May 28, 2020 in Veterans Affairs Medical Center Fargo, under hospice care after a brief battle with cancer. Gary was born June 18, 1944, the son of Olive Blair, in St. Paul, MN. Gary spent his youth in the Mahnomen, MN area. In 1962 he joined the United States military. Gary took great pride in being a veteran and his service in the United States Marine Corps. He greatly enjoyed talking to other service members and wore his signature USMC hat with pride. Gary was also a proud member of the White Earth Nation and was actively involved in tribal happenings. In 1981, Gary received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bemidji State University. He was a skilled writer and had many articles printed in Minnesota newspapers, with tribal matters being a favorite topic. Gary was often seen working hard on his book in his office and was always seeking out proofreaders for feedback. He was a truck driver for many years, allowing cross country travels which he loved to tell about. Gary enjoyed coffee with his friends at the Rothsay Truckstop and socializing. He loved to tell stories and would laugh joyously through them. His love of the Truckstop and socializing led him to meeting the love of his life, Cindy. They were united in marriage at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Rothsay on April 27, 2002. He and Cindy made their home in Rothsay. During their marriage, Gary was always looking for a deal and would often bring home the treasures he would find during his love of thrifting. If you knew Gary, you would have a Gary story. Snowball fights, Truckstop visits, the Christmas opossum, “I’m welcome”, bridges that came out of nowhere and the constant bantering with Kelly, just to name a few. He was a character you would never forget, and a man who cared deeply about his family and friends. Gary is survived by his wife, Cindy; his siblings Arnold, Maynard and Karen; his children Cindy, Broderick, and Crystal; bonus daughters Jessi Christ (Jesse Colby), Elise (Paul) Bruggeman, Kami Lehn (Jon Schauer), Kelly Lehn (Corey Allen); and numerous grandchildren. Gary is preceded in death by his mother, brothers Steve and Eugene, and infant sister. Due to the pandemic, a family service will be held. Interment will be in Fargo National Cemetery.