Douglas James Blair

September 7, 2023

In Loving Memory ~

Douglas James Blair passed away in Kelowna, Sept 7, 2023, about a week from his 73rd birthday. Incredibly, he chose to leave us before the Alzheimer's took over him completely. He stayed as long as he could.

Doug was born at Vancouver General Hospital in 1950. He spent the majority of his youth living between Vancouver and Nakusp. Close to his heart were the days playing on Arrow Lake waiting for his father to land. Doug's father Bill, owned Arrow Lake Airways and two Beaver floatplanes.

At age 17, Doug bravely hitch-hiked halfway across Canada, trying to make the World's Fair in 1967. Aged 20, he followed in his father's footsteps becoming an iron worker, constructing dam projects and bridges in BC, finishing with Canada Place in time for Expo 86.

During these years, he raised two young children with his 1st wife Norma in their Rossland heritage house, collecting antique furniture and skiing Red Mountain.

Doug was a driven, successful, self-made entrepreneur. In his mid-thirties, with a grade 10 education, he built a number of successful companies. From a Vancouver coin-op coffee vending business, Doug and his 2nd wife Kim opened the Java Bar on Robson Street in the mid-80's, just as Starbucks was taking off.

Shortly after that, Doug and Kim started a family having their son Teagan. Doug found an opportunity with Newco commercial coffee equipment and built BBC Sales and Service in the 90's. His natural confidence and charisma grew the business quickly across Canada. A reputation for integrity and outstanding customer service earned the loyalty of big national players.

He was able to retire early but didn't want to stop. He got into building housing - dozens of high-end custom homes in the Okanagan. His last project was Andover Terrace, a deluxe 64-unit seniors development in Salmon Arm. Doug was proud of his business accomplishments and his ability to provide for those he loved. He was generous with his wealth, giving life-changing gifts to the underprivileged in Canada and Mexico.

Always in charge, Douglas James "Alexander Alawishes Flanagan" Blair, was hilarious and a lot of fun, telling jokes and stories for hours, lighting up the room with his presence and amazing sense of humour. Even at the end, unable to speak, he would connect with people in subtle ways, making them smile and laugh. The space that has been left will never be filled, but we take comfort in the memories that remain.

Pre-deceased by his parents William and Patricia, his sister Patsy, and cousins Ted and Bruce.

Survived by his siblings: Bonnie, Marion, Naomi (Jim), Billy (Charie) and his 3 children: Scottie, Pippa (Andy) and Teagan (Chenille). Doug also took great joy in his 5 grandchildren: Hayley, Julia, Aliya, Mckinley and Easton. And his companion Brenda, who gave him love and comfort in his final years.

And thanks to his longest and best friend Larry Greenlay who gave a kidney and delayed this announcement for 21 years!

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mable Lake Golf Club near Enderby, on May 11th, 2024 at 1:00 pm. Contact Mabel Lake Golf or Mabel Lake Resort websites for accommodation and please mention the Celebration of Doug Blair.