April 8, 1934 - November 1, 2020
On November 1st, after a long illness, Blair Doré passed away at the age of 86. Blair is survived by Germaine, his wife of 62 years, his 102 year old mother-in-law, Thérèse Charest of St Albert, Alberta, his sons Joel, Guy (Chris Watson), Marc (Huguette Grenier) and Alain (Pascale Allard). He also leaves to mourn his grandchildren; Stephanie (Dom Lattanzio), Jordan, Dania (Joel Kneller), Christopher, Sarah (Isabel Irvine), Max & Jacqueline; and his 2 great-grand children: Callum & Henry; and many relatives and friends.
Blair, the eldest son of Vincent and Annette Doré was pre-deceased by his parents and his brother Joseph (Betty Heck). He is survived by his sisters Thérèse Renshaw (Dave) of Sidney, BC; Loraine Thomas (Charles) of Kamsack, SK; and Georgette Girard (Clem) of Vernon, BC.
Blair was born in Coal Valley, Alberta on April 8, 1934. The family moved to Bonnyville, Ab and later settled in Maillardville, BC where Blair attended high school. After graduation, Blair enlisted in the Canadian Airforce and undertook training as a navigator. Though he was discharged on medical grounds, he spoke fondly of his short stint in the Air-force his whole life.
Blair moved to Edmonton in 1956 where he met his future wife and began his career as a teacher at Collège St.Jean, then at J.H.Picard. In 1976, Blair and Germaine created Varia Research and Writing.: a composition and translation company in Edmonton.
Then, in 1981, wanting to return to teaching, Blair, Germaine and their youngest son, Alain, moved to Nanaimo where he taught French-immersion at Quarterway, Pauline Haarer until his retirement in 1994.
Words and music were a great love for Blair. He always had a piano in the house, played the trumpet and developed a great love for choral music after joining Les Chantamis in 1972. His passion for choral music lead him to start youth choirs at his schools in Nanaimo. Blair also shared a love for flowers - especially roses- with Germaine.
Blair loved the sea, the sky, the birds and the trees; he love beauty and saw it in a stone on the beach and the smile of a child.
The family would like to extend warmest thanks to the many friends and family that have reached out with love and support, especially during the last few months. Also a special Thanks to the Community Health workers whose kindness and dedication allowed us to keep Dad at home until the very end.
For now, due to Covid, the immediate family will honor Blair with a small gathering at home.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made on Blair's behalf to the BC Cancer Foundation.