Obituary of Blair Bolduc

BOLDUC: Blair Louis Bolduc - With great sadness Shaye and Emilee announce the passing of their Dad on October 21, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. Blair was born September 8, 1964 in Deloraine, MB to Polly and Willis, the youngest of six children. He attended school in Deloraine, even though it was not his forte, his love of music was, and began in those years. He played in several bands and the highlight was when their band, Sentinel, was chosen to play the high school grad. Blair began his working years with his Dad at Bolduc Construction, where eventually he and his brother Barrie took over the company. In 1988, Blair married Tannis Fisher and together they had their two daughters, Shaye and Emilee. The girls were his pride and joy and their well-being was always his main concern. He was so proud of the young women they had grown into. Tannis continued to be a huge part of Blair's life and they remained close, especially in the past few months. Blair met Carolyn Gwyer when she sang back up on his Sauntry CD. They were married in 1997. Their "children" were their miniature Dachshunds, Angel and Boz. Blair loved those dogs and they brought him much peace in his battle. Blair's biggest concern while in the hospital was always who was looking after the dogs. You knew you were important to Blair if he allowed you to look after the dogs. Over the years, Blair developed a love of performing. He played Rooster in Annie, had the lead role in The Music Man, gained more Brothers when he was in Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat, they continued to be his Brothers to the end. He also performed in Art and the Drawer Boy. Blair decided to switch careers and enrolled in a computer course at ACC. After he graduated, he worked at BRHA in IT. He had made several great friendships during his 10 years there. In February 2013, Blair was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. He met this challenge head on with a determined smile and his sense of humor. Blair found the best way to keep everyone up to date with his treatments was to start a twitter account which he named, "Bbs Journey thru C," and would post faithfully about his "tweetments." During his illness, Blair was surrounded my so many people encouraging and supporting him. He was so thankful for all the visits, meals, tea dates, Starbucks trips, and Winners purchases. The people surrounding him with love and encouragement was what made the last few months of his battle more enjoyable. He was also so appreciative and humbled by his friends and family for organizing and holding a social in his honor to raise money to cover his medical expenses. It meant so much to him and his family to see all the love people had for Blair. Sadly in the early hours of October 21, Blair passed away with his family with him. A celebration of Blair's life was held October 25, 2013 at Central United Church with Colleen Gareau officiating. Music was provided by the Central United Choir, longtime friends Steve and Coral Meggison, and Prairie Blend Choir conducted by Blair's dear friend, Deanna Ginn. Eulogies were provided by longtime friends Ron Murias and Bob Wells. That evening, we held a celebration of music where friends and family had a chance to share memories, sing a song or just visit with other friends. His longtime music friends resurrected Sentinel and added new friends from the present. It would have been a celebration Blair would have approved of. Blair is survived by his daughters Shaye and Emilee and fur-children Angel and Boz, their mother Tannis, parents Willis and Polly, siblings Greg, Janice (Gord), Barrie, Joanne (Kevin), Lisa (Tryggve), nephews Cory (Melissa), Matt (Rhonda), Taylor, Soren, great-nephews and nieces Nate and Andrew, Charlee and Logan, Carolyn Gwyer, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Blair was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Deloraine with his family and close friends. Donations in memory of Blair may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8 or to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200-17th Street East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7M6.