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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BLAIR, James Rodney (Rod) - Age 73, Victoria Vale, Annapolis Co., best friend and husband passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 24, 2020, in Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, Middleton. Rod was born on May 29, 1946, and raised on the farm in Loch Broom. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces at 18, first the Navy then moving to the Air Force, and retired as Warrant Officer in 1988 with 14 Wing in Greenwood. He continued his career with Unisys Corporation in Winnipeg, then moved back home to Nova Scotia in 1995, for Spar Aerospace at 14 Wing, before finishing his working life with Spa Springs Mineral Water Company which was just down the road from the home he built in Victoria Vale. Rod was predeceased in death by his parents, Herbert and Elnora (Nicol) Blair; and brother, Fraser. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, the former Paula Stevenson; daughters, Rhonda Hewgill (Dave) of Barrie, Ont. and Paula- Lynn Duke (Paul) of Dartmouth; stepsons, Trevor Blair (Krystine) of London, Ont. and Troy Blair (Shelley) of Winnipeg, Man.; nephew, Andrew Blair (Cindy) of Pictou; grandchildren, Alyson, Amy, Andrew, Hunter, Payton and Tristan, and "Uncle Sunshine" to a special little girl, Rylee. Rod loved life. He enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and playing music. He learned and played the bagpipes with 14 Wing Pipes and Drums in Greenwood, and was later Pipe Sergeant with the 402 "City of Winnipeg" Squadron Pipe Band. He had a great ear for music (he could play anything), and was an award winning fiddle player. His love for bluegrass music and playing (especially in jam sessions), along with his quick wit and sense of humour, made him an easy target for new and lasting friendships. The Oxbow Mountain Boys (Greg, Brian, Al and Charlie) welcomed him with his fiddle in hand, and the boys and wives attended or performed at numerous summer festivals in the Maritimes and New England. Jam sessions with all friends new and old would last into the night and were always memorable. Rod loved to joke around, coming up with all kinds of ways to tease and play tricks on people, and would play all games. He was the Loch Broom Crokinole Champion! A Celebration of Life will be planned when everyone can again gather in groups. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Annapolis Valley Bluegrass & Old Time Music Association, or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St.
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For Posterity's Sake 
