Obituary of Blair C. Burgess

Blair C. Burgess, 89, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, July 8, 2023. Blair was born in Richmond, Virginia to parents William and Elizabeth Burgess. As a child and teenager, he was an avid boy scout, athlete and musician. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he became a pilot at the Pensacola Naval Academy. While on leave in Kansas City he met Loretta, and it was love at first sight! After only a few short months the couple were married. Not long after the ceremony, they moved to New Orleans where Blair continued his work as a pilot in the US Navy. After his time in the service, Blair became an electrical engineer for NASA and worked on the Apollo missions. Later in life he enjoyed doing contract work for Stanford Research Institute. Blair was a talented musician and spent many happy hours playing in a local orchestra, concert band, and wind ensemble. He also enjoyed wood working, stained-glass, drawing and cartooning. Blair was known for his love of gardening and relished the time he spent outdoors in his Felton mountain home. Another favorite activity he enjoyed was traveling in Europe and tropical islands with his wife and family. Blair will be remembered as a non-judgmental man with a generous heart. He frequently mentored and sponsored people who were struggling on their paths in life. Blair was a dedicated father and family man. His wife, children, and grandchildren were always at the forefront of Blair’s life, and he will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. Blair is survived by his son, Christian Burgess, daughter, Dawne (Peter) Lawton, grandchildren, Tyler, Zachary, and Hayley. He is predeceased by his wife, Loretta Burgess, parents, William and Elizabeth Burgess, and brother Harold Burgess and sister-in-law Rita Burgess.