Donald James Blair

BLAIR, Donald James, 82, of Catonsville, Maryland, passed away July 26, 2018, at Gilchrist Hospice Care in Towson with his family by his side.  Don was born December 24, 1935 in Des Moines, Iowa, to Rush and Lucy Blair. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia; his children Beth, Don (Laura) and David (Dana); six grandchildren - Allie, Bo, Luke, Madison, Molly and Maycie; and his brother David.  

Don received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Bradley University, a Master of Science in nuclear engineering from the University of Florida (where he also met Patricia) and a PhD in nuclear engineering from the University of Maryland.   

After serving in the Army (reserves and active duty) from 1955 to 1958, Don became a professor in the engineering department at the University of Maryland. He then served as a senior engineer for several large aerospace and defense contractors before founding BAI Engineering, a government contractor providing specialized engineering services to United States Intelligence agencies.  Don was very proud of his team at BAI and the work they did on classified intel programs.   

Don will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. When Don was not working on projects around his house, he enjoyed traveling, wildlife, photography, reading (technical books of course), his Bible study and especially his grandchildren.

Sincere gratitude to the many people at Charlestown and Gilchrist Hospice Care who did so much to provide care and comfort to Don.

A service and celebration of life will be held at Arbutus United Methodist Church on Monday, July 30, 2018 at 10:00 AM.

Given Don’s lifelong love for animals, especially dogs, memorial gifts may be made to The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS), 301 Stockholm St. Baltimore, MD 21230 (www.barcs.org)

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:39

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