Lyle Blair

Blair, Lyle "Gene"

Age 78, of Minneapolis. Entered Heaven on November 19th, 2016. Preceded in death by parents, Lyle and Hattie Blair; brother, Marlon; and niece, Amy. Survived by wife, Carol; daughters Linda, Barbara (Michael) Sampson; son Charles (Andrea); grandchildren, Matthew, Brittany (Brendon) and Amy Sampson; Clifford and Devon (and their mother, Lori); siblings Ronald (Linda), Paul (Carol), and Carolyn (David) Hillier; sister-in-law, Donna; and other beloved family and friends. He grew up on a farm near Winnebago, MN and graduated in 1956 from Huntley High School. He attended North Central Bible College in Minneapolis from 1957-1961. He also attended Dunwoody for refrigeration. He married Carol, his college sweetheart in 1959 and celebrated 57 years together in June. He pastored churches in Buffalo Lake and Clearwater, MN and remodeled cabins on Indian Lake in the 1960's. He was on the church board at Riverside Assembly of God in the 1970's. He worked at Soderberg's Florist from 1957 until 1976 when he purchased the store. He was active in FTD and had a term as president for the MinnDakota Unit of Teleflora. He trained many who went on to own or work at flower shops across the country. He sold the store in June 2005 and began an active retirement spending time with family and friends in Minneapolis and at his cabin in Longville, Minnesota. He enjoyed fishing in Canada, hunting in Montana and Minnesota, traveling, telling stories, working on small engines, building things and driving his Bobcat. He was a determined, hardworking, tireless business owner. He treated his customers like friends and his employees like family. He worked long hours, never complained and never left a job unfinished. He was caring, generous and kind. He saw the best in people. He never judged and accepted others unconditionally. Big-hearted and compassionate, he gave a helping hand and resources to anyone who needed it regardless of what others thought. He was honest, trustworthy, and loyal. He returned anything he borrowed. He attended the special events he was invited to and made you feel special. He was never late, always early. He was strong, persevering, and stoic. He fought thyroid cancer for seventeen years with countless treatments, radiation and surgeries. Yet, he always had a smile on his face. He was humble, quiet and reserved. When he spoke, you listened. He was a wise mentor who taught about life, work, friends, kindness, respect, and responsibility. He showed how to save money and live within one's means. He inspired others to do better and be better. He enjoyed making new friends and spending time with friends and family. He loved his family tremendously and he showed his love all the time and in many ways. He made a huge impact on the lives of many. Service to be held 3:00pm at Bradshaw, 3131 Minnehaha Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN on Sunday, December 4th, 2016. Visitation at 2:00pm.