1925
2013
BLAIR, Wren Alvin
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wren Alvin Blair of Hillsdale Estates, Oshawa on January 2nd, 2013. Wren was born in Lindsay, Ontario October 2nd, 1925. Predeceased by his wife Elma (nee Pearce) and his sister Merle Taylor (nee Blair). Son of the late Alvin and Audrey Blair. Will be dearly missed by his daughter Jill Krahule and her husband Peter, his son Dan Blair and wife Libby. Loving Grandpa to Ryan and his wife Christine, Brandon, Laura, Jen and Great Grandpa to Madison. Survived by his brothers Lyle and Gerald. A caring and devoted father, husband and grandfather, he will be remembered for his generosity and love for his children. Wren was known as "The Bird" in hockey circles and had spent more than 50 years in the sport he loved. He has coached, managed, and owned hockey teams in various leagues in North America. His name is linked with success in junior, senior and professional leagues. He was founder and General Manager of the Whitby Dunlops 1957 Allan Cup Champions and 1958 World International Champions. General Manager of the Clinton Comets of the U.S. Eastern League (1958-1971). Wren brought the Oshawa Generals OHA Junior "A" back in 1962. He's the hockey man who discovered Bobby Orr who starred for the Oshawa Generals before joining the Boston Bruins. Coach and General Manager of the Kingston Frontenacs of the Eastern Professional Hockey League (1960-1963). He was the first General Manager (1966-74) and Coach (1967-70) of the Minnesota North Stars of the NHL. Owner of the Saginaw Gears in the International Hockey League (1971-1983) won two Turner Cup Championships. Co-owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL (1975-1977). Director of Player Personnel of the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL (1979-1985). Managing Partner and part owner of the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL (1989-2000). Inducted into the Oshawa Sports Hall Of Fame (1986). Inducted into the Whitby Sports Hall Of Fame (1998). Inducted into the Saginaw County Sports Hall Of Fame (2007). Co-founder of PineStone Inn Haliburton. Together with Jim Gregory, Wren built Haliburton Hockey Haven Boys Camp in Haliburton. In 2001 Wren was largely instrumental in bringing hockey back to Saginaw, the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League. In that same year Wren proudly wrote his autobiography titled "The Bird" which contained his stories of legendary players like Bobby Orr, Gump Worsley, Bill Goldsworthy as well as hockey executives. His love of hockey was life long. Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Thursday, January 10th from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. A Celebration of Wren's Life will be held in the Chapel on Friday, January 11th at 1:00 p.m. Memorial donations to the Hospital for Sick Children would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
61 Entries
April 1, 2013
Todd Laster
Danny,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. I lived right up the road from you guys on Gleason Road in Edina and remember playing on the pond behind your house!
Todd Laster
Edina HS Class of '73
February 6, 2013
Gerald Lyle and family
missed this news at the time
found it now sorry for your loss
cousin
Nancy l (Cook) Spencer Oakwood on
January 19, 2013
Jill and Dan Just read the news of your fathers passing. My Dad was a cousin on the Callan side of your family. I remember your Dad from very early days. He was a great guy and much respected by so many people. Sorry to have missed the opportunity to visit with you. thinking of you both and your families at this difficult time.
Gordon and Elaine Callan
[email protected]
January 14, 2013
Reid & Connie Erickson
Danny.....just received an article from my parents in Minneapolis and learned of the passing of your father. It has been far too long since we have spoken, but I wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Our deepest sympathies for your loss.
January 10, 2013
Mark Yaroff
Jill and Danny so sorry for your loss, only remember your dad and mom from from younger years late 60's, my parents were friends of your parents and spent some weekends at your cottage in Haliburton. I still have a memory of riding dirt bikes with you Jill in Haliburton and you singing and playing guitar. Both your parents were amazing people, my parents both in their 80's talk about the 1950's Dunnys and 1960's hockey in Whitby and the freindship they had with your parents
my deepest sympathy Mark Yaroff
January 10, 2013
Gary Brabin
It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of another original dunnie, and of a true hockey hero . He leaves behind a fantastic hockey legacy ..His accomplishments speak for themselves ..Our thoughts are with you ..Gary Brabin and Family
January 10, 2013
Jill, Danny and families - I want to offer my condolences on Wren's passing. He was a dear friend and colleague. I especially remember fondly our times together in Kingston in the early '60's with the Frontenacs. I regret that I could not travel from Kingston last week to visit with you.
Major Danny McLeod - Kingston, Ontario
January 10, 2013
Jill:I am deeply saddened by the loss of your father. I know you were there for him every step of his sickness and the care you gave to him even before he went to the nursing home.
I want to thank your father for building Pinestone with his hockey buds.It provided 16 years of employment for me from 1988-2004. It was a hub of fun all seasons of the year-lots of golfers and skiers. The Gallery was a great addition as it provided the atmosphere for these groups. I was thrilled to be part of that.
My niece,Michelle Pollard, is a good friend of Jen-went to school together. I was able to contact her in Mexico about Wren's death and she will be at the funeral on Friday.
There is going to be a huge change in your life as you and Peter venture forth into the future. Fathers are hard to loose. I will pray that you will adjust to another change just like you did when your mother died.
You are blessed with so many people caring for you and the life that your DAD provided.
JAN TEDFORD
past employee at Pinestone
your singing at Pinestone was enjoyed by many especially your father
January 10, 2013
Dan, Libby and family...so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers - Jeff & Ruth
January 10, 2013
Gary Agnew
Jill and Danny, our condolences to you and your family. We have very fond memories of our times in Kingston working for Wren and I will always remember him as a great and passionate hockey man
Gary Agnew, Saint Louis Blues
January 10, 2013
Tanya White
My condolences to the family of Wren. I met Wren about 7 years ago at Hillsdale when I was doing private care for a couple there. We talked about his great love for hockey, and he also had showed me the book "The Bird" that he had written. He was a very interesting man to just sit down and talk with. Always kind and thoughtful and loved his family very much. I always made a point of popping in everyday to say a quick hello. The hockey nation has lost a wonderful man. May you rest in peace Wren.
January 10, 2013
Maryann Dollimore
Wren was an unforgettable man, with the best life stories. I will never forget going into his room and sitting on the side of his bed sucking a werthers and listening to one of his many fasinating stories. Jill i'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with your entire family. So sorry for your loss--
January 10, 2013
Mary-Jo Fewer
So sorry for your loss.Wren always made me laugh and I always enjoyed his stories.He will be missed dearly! -Love Mary-Jo Fewer
January 9, 2013
sheryl o'rourke
wren you will be sadly missed as well as your hockey stories
January 9, 2013
Wren was an incredibly nice man. Jill was very devoted to her dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jill and your family at this time of sorrow. Marie Dunlop
January 9, 2013
Jack & Nancy Pearce
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
January 9, 2013
Kim Wilson
I had the pleasure to know Wren and Jill while they were at their cottage. He'll be greatly missed by so many people. My thoughts are with you and your family, Jill.
January 9, 2013
Larry / Doug Mavety / Springer
Wren was one of a kind, a great hockey man that we will miss but always remember.
January 9, 2013
Joe Montague
Cheers to a truly wonderful man, a man who was well-loved and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time, Jill. God Bless. Joe Montague & Laurie Arch
January 9, 2013
pat shetler
A sad day in our lives when I got a call from the Saginaw newspaper on Wed. am. that Wren had passed away. Wren was without a doubt the most outstanding hockey person of all times. Back in 1989, the first year of the Norfolk Admirals, Bobby Orr was invited to Norfolk. I had a great conversation with Bobby and the main topic was his admiration for Wren who signed him with the Bruins. As a linesman, I worked many games involving the North Stars. He was vocal and kept everyone on their toes. The officials had great respect for him. I worked for Wren as his Camp Director at Haliburton Hockey Haven for 4 yrs. along with Jim Gregory. I left Haliburton to take on the camp director job for the Beehive Hockey School owned by Alan Stanley and Tim Horton. The worst move I ever made. Both Vern buffey and I came close to being fired by the NHL for being in business with players. Wren was mad about my decision, but he was forgiving and asked me to help him to get the Saginaw Gears started after my broadcasting with the Flyers in 1972. He was so great to work with and hired me again to Haliburton as swimming director.
I could go on and on but my heart is broken. Life is too short, but Wren lived an excellent one.
He was also responsible for helping Vern Buffey start the Vern Buffey National School of Refereeing at his camp in Haliburton which had the top referees, Bruce Hood, Bill Friday and most of the other top officials then. He also had many players from all teams as instructors at his hockey schools.
He will be missed by thousands of people he has touched. Condolances to his family and to his many friends.
January 9, 2013
Pat Kennedy
Dan and Jill we are very sad to hear about your Dad's passing. Even though we have not seen him in a long time we still remember how we always felt welcomed by him in your summer home in Haliburton. Pat and Cheryl Kennedy
January 8, 2013
John and Marlene Harness (Pearce)
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
January 8, 2013
Jill,your care,kindness and dedication to your Dads well being was a model for all families at Hillsdale Estate!With sadness we send Our Deepest Sympathy to You ,Peter and The Blair Family-Gary,Lois and Victor Lockie
January 8, 2013
I was so saddened to hear of Wren's passing. Wren signed me to my first contract with the Generals in 1963, which was the beginning of the most meaningful part of my life. Wren pushed me and my teammates endlessly, and I now fully realize he made me a better player, but most importantly a better person. He will always be a large part of my life.
To all of Wren's family, please accept my sincere condolences, and know that he made a huge contribution to the lives of all that knew him.
Ian Young
Oshawa
January 8, 2013
Joanne Kazimierczuk
Jill and Family. Our sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely
Joanne and Ever (Quality of Life)
January 8, 2013
dear jill danny and families.....
Wren was such a huge part of our lives...visited him regularly, loved his sense of humour....love joan attersley
January 7, 2013
Gail Johnson Morris
Jill, Danny, and your families,
My brother Dan shared with me that your much beloved father has passed. Your Dad enjoyed a big life, full to the brim with his loving family, great friends, and a sport he loved. I recall the Boston 'B' logo he had designed into the living-room floor linoleum at your cottage in Haliburton. I was young enough to think the B stood for Blair!
Your parents often included me for special parties and trips in to Haliburton during the lazy cottage summers, circa 1965. There always seemed to be someone playing shuffleboard or skiing behind one of your Dad's fast boats. I was so pleased to see that your Dad was honoured for his contributions to the sport of Hockey in several different communities. He is a legend in the sport and played a significant role in building the game - incredible that he was involved in the beginning of Bobby Orr's stellar career. I think some of your Dad's love of the game rubbed off on me so I played for the York U. team when I was there!
My parents, John R. & Chris Johnson, my siblings, Dan, Leah, Mark, Elizabeth, and Paul, join me in offering our condolences to you. I know that you have many happy memories to help buoy you through the difficult days ahead.
Warm regards,
January 7, 2013
Jill, Danny and families. Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your dad. He was a very special man to many people. I have many fond memories of fun times over the years, especially in Haliburton. There was always lots of laughter when Wren was around. He will be missed but never forgotten. Sharon & Rick Rosnak
January 7, 2013
My deepest sympathy to all his family. Wren has made a great contribution to sport and will never be forgotten. Terry Kelly
January 6, 2013
Laura McDowell
Jill,Danny and your families, our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I know there are many great memories shared by our parents - lifelong friends. Wren will be sadly missed by all. Laura, Andrew, Mac and Shannon McDowell
January 6, 2013
Danny and Jill, I just read about your Dad in the Mpls. paper yesterday. I lost my Dad in 2008. It's been along time since we have spoken. My sympathy go's out to you both at this time of life. You are both in my thoughts.
Bill Barber
January 6, 2013
lois taylor
Jill, Danny and families, our thoughts are with you today as we think of the happy times we had with your Dad. He was a very thoughtful brother-in-law to us and we will never forget him. The memories of all the fun we had with your Dad will be forever in our hearts. Love always, Lois and Goldie
January 6, 2013
Jill,Peter Danny,Libby and families Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your Dad. We go back a long way, and I have many special memories of the good times Gord and I had together with your Mom and Dad
Betty Myles
January 6, 2013
Lyle MacArthur
Dan, Libby and Family
We are very sorry about the passing of your father (grandfather),our thoughts are with you all.
Lyle, Chris and Family,
January 6, 2013
Burl and Debbie Hannah
So sad to hear of Wrens passing, Jill Our prayers and thoughts go out to all of you.
Although I only knew Wren a short time He always made me smile, a very witty fellow.
January 6, 2013
I did not know Wren personally, but know how special he was because of the way his wonderful daughter Jill cared for him. My brother in law and nephew have played in the NHL and Wren was and is a legend. may god bless and keep his loved ones close as they go through this loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you Jill and your family. see you in Florida soon.
Kay Wortman St. Louis, MO
January 6, 2013
I did not know Wren personally, but know how special he was because of the way his wonderful daughter Jill cared for him. My brother in law and nephew have played in the NHL and Wren was and is a legend. may god bless and keep his loved ones close as they go through this loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you Jill and your family. Kay Wortman
January 6, 2013
Philip Quintin
Fondly remembered as the driving force behind sucess of EPHL Frontenacs and the rescue and subsequent revival of Kingston OHL franchise.Thanks for the memories.PHIL, Glenburnie, Ontario
January 5, 2013
Jill Fleming
Jill,
I didn't know your Dad personally, but I know his daughter loved, and cared for him very much! It is now time to focus on yourself and all your fond memories of your father. I hope to see you again on your next visit to Florida.
Thinking of you,
Minnesota Jill
January 5, 2013
Jack Mackness
My deepest condolences to the entire family. I've known Wren for 65 years, back when he ran Evliegh Cleaners and I played midgets for Jack' Bar, when he was coaching then. I've enjoued his company for many, many years. Special condolences to his daughter, Jill, and his brother, Gerald.
Jack Mackness (Oshawa, ON)
January 5, 2013
What a wonderfull, witty individual, he lived life to the fullest.
Ron Wicks
Retired NHL referee,
Brampton, Ont
January 5, 2013
Julie and Joe Vergin
Dad is safely Home now, Jill. Your daily worries can rest. What a blessing you were to him in your endless hours of care and devotion. You will have many good memories of him and your Mom to hold close at heart.
Our love to you and Peter, Jen and Madison,
January 5, 2013
Lyle and Gerald- Please accept my condolences on the loss of your brother,Wren. He was a great Canadian and a credit to Oshawa in partiular. Always an interesting guy to be around ,he will be greatly missed .
Winston [Winse] Bradley in Halifax Nova Scotia
January 5, 2013
Bruce Hood
I was saddened to learn of Wren's passing and offer my condolences - but then I had a smile on my face as I remembered him as the great hockey man he was and particularly as Coach and GM of the North Stars in Minnesota back when the NHL expanded for the first time and I was refereein g in the League! He was quite a showman behind the bench and we had a lot of laughs togetther later on in years of some of his antics.
I know everyone associated with Wren has wonderful fond memories of him - they just don't make them like him anymore, and that is too bad.
Enjoy the memories - I know I sure will....
Bruce Hood NHL Referee 1963-84
January 5, 2013
Jeryne Allen
Jill, Sorry of hear of your loss. I hope that Wren had a peaceful passing. You were an unwavering advocate in all your father's care. I hope you can find equal satisfaction in your future plans. Wren is at rest and found another to care for him.
January 5, 2013
Glenn Elines
Sorry about your loss Dan, Libby and Family thinking of you's in your time of sorrow!
Glenn & Joanne
January 5, 2013
I only met Wren one time many years ago when I worked briefly with his son Dan in Toronto. I enjoyed immensely discussing hockey with Mr Blair. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Don Vincent
January 4, 2013
Roger Lajoie
Deepest condolences to Wren's family and friends. A wonderful man and a hockey icon in our country. May God rest his soul and his family have solace in remembering just how many lives he touched.
January 4, 2013
Our condolences are with your family. Wren was such a great person, loved to talk to everyone. Amy, Alanna and Jennifer Myles.
January 4, 2013
So sorry to hear of your fathers passing, he will always be remembered as a kind caring man.I remember the many times we all sat around Gramma and grampas table having a sing along.My condolance are with you Jill and Dannny and your family today.
Sheila Pearce-Roberts Newfoundland
January 4, 2013
heather kyc
Jill, Danny and families, Uncle Wren will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. The many wonderful memories I have of Uncle Wren and Aunt Elma at their cottage in Haliburton will forever be cherished. Uncle Wren may be gone but never forgotten and the memories of him will be forever in our hearts. Love always, Heather, Henry and family
January 4, 2013
Jill, Danny and families, our hearts are heavy but filled with so many wonderful memories of both Uncle Wren and Aunt Elma. Uncle Wren's legacy will live on forever in the countless lives he has touched over the years. My fondest memories of Uncle Wren were of him, Aunt Elma, Grandma and Grandpa Pearce sitting at the kitchen table at my Mom and Dad's (Lois and Bob Taylor) house playing cards, having a few drinks and many, many laughs until the wee hours of the morning. There were so many fun times that our families had back in the day and those are the memories that we will hold very close to our heart. Once again, Uncle Wren and Aunt Elma will be together. All my love, Sherri and family
January 4, 2013
Lindsay Smith
My father "Beaner Smith" was good friends with Wren..... From their childhoods. Whr I was in my early 20's I was at a friends wedding and Wren, after a few drinks offered Pinestone Inn as a place for my wedding. I mentioned I might just call him on that offer. In 1988 I called and he was excited to help. A visionary, humanitarian and a man who positively affected so many young hockey players lives. We lost a goo one. Lindsay Smith
January 4, 2013
Tom and Kelly Taylor
Nothing but great memories of time spent with Uncle Wren and Aunt Elma, sadly missed but never forgotten.
January 4, 2013
Our condolences ~He will be missed by his Minnesota North Star and NHL family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
Brad Maxwell, President
Minnesota NHL Alumni Association
January 4, 2013
Bill and Cathy Esplen
Sincere condolences to Wrens family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad time.
January 4, 2013
Maddy O'Connor
Jill, Danny and families, my depest sorrow in the loss of Wren a long time friend with a great sense of humour. Jill you have been a wonderful caregiver for many years. he will be missed by many.
Maddy O'Connor....Oshawa
January 4, 2013
Danny, Libby, Ryan, Brandon and Laura, we were very sad to hear of your dads(grandfathers)passing. You are in our thoughts.
Debbie, Doug, Stephen and Greg(Midlothian, VA)
January 4, 2013
Val & Ron McCallum
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
January 4, 2013
Wren you will be sadly missed at Hillsdale - your butterscotch pudding and candies - I will miss you and Jill coming in for lunch every day - Maria
January 3, 2013
terri & mike rice
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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