William Berry "Bill" Blair

William “Bill” Blair of Delta passed away October 14th 2021 from cancer. As was his wish, he passed away at home surrounded by his family.
Bill was born September 10th 1937 in Eckert Colorado where he lived throughout his childhood being raised by his grandmother Christina Schrader, he graduated from Cedaredge High School before joining the Navy in 1955. Bill was stationed in California, Washington State and throughout Asian countries during his 20 years of service to our country, retiring in 1975. He served aboard 4 aircraft carriers USS Kearsage, USS Ticonderoga, USS Oriskany and the USS Kittyhawk. When Bill retired from the Navy he moved to Lazear CO and worked at Russell Stover’s. Missing serving the community and camaraderie he decided to join the Delta County Sheriff’s Department as a reserve officer for 6 months before he took a full time position as a deputy. Bill worked his way up the ranks to undersheriff until being appointed Sheriff in 1989 and then elected to the same position in 1991. He served in the position of Sheriff for 3 more elected terms until he retired in 2004.
On December 7th 1984 Bill married the love of his life, Loyola with whom he shared 36 years of marriage. They made their home in Lazear for 19 years before moving to Delta after he retired until the time of his passing.
If you knew Bill you knew he had an unforgettable smile, generous heart, kind spirit without a stingy bone in his body and may have been known to pull a prank every once in a while. His unwavering sense of integrity and spirit of giving extended to his family, friends, church and everyone he met along the way. Courageous, successful, accomplished, devoted, respectful are the words Loyola has chosen to describe this amazing husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa and friend. That legacy of kindness will continue through his family. Bill's favorite pastimes were reading, Sudoku, taking walks, fishing, camping and traveling on an adventure. Sometimes those adventures led him down a back road, yard sale or an antique store. He also was an avid bowler for 26 years traveling to state tournaments most years. If there was an event for his grandchildren he and Loyola were front row. He took great pride in his yard, garden and home. He was an active member of the Hotchkiss Elks Lodge, VFW, American Legion, and anything Veteran related.
Bill is survived by his wife of 36 years Loyola Blair, daughter Tina Oeltjenbruns (Dennis), son Paul Calvillo(Aimee), and son Scott Blair(Bev), 12 grandchildren and 3 great granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents who raised him August and Christina Schrader, Uncle William Schrader, parents Roy and Mildred Blair and his sister Betty Hinsen.
Please join us in a celebration of life for Bill on December 23 at 2pm. Grace Community Church 300 Stafford Lane in Delta.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in memory of Bill to Grace Community Church.