Blair Tolbard

No one ever wondered if he was in the room: Blair’s presence was a force. He was a master storyteller and always ready with a kind word, supportive gesture, joke, and when all else failed an expertly curated movie quote. Blair moved through the world with purpose and compassion, making friends all along the way. The key was making sure everyone else was comfortable, especially in social situations. He set the bar high for inspiring kids in baseball and softball. If a player was struggling, a few weeks with Coach Blair would turn it all around. When one of his players struck out, they’d hear him cheering: “Going down swinging! That’s what I’m talking about!” Much of his knowledge came from when he played baseball and football at St. Augustine Prep. He loved the Birds so much that among his kids’ first utterances were “E-A-G-L-E-S.” Not just an avid history buff, he also enjoyed sci-fi. If you hung out with him, he was on a mission to get you into it as well. He was attuned to the subtleties that most others miss, that Space movies aren’t really about space, but about the human condition. His sense of adventure led him to see much of the world: he’d been everywhere including China and may or may not have once sat on the Great Pyramid. Four wheels moved his body, but two wheels moved his soul: Blair loved getting out on his Harley. The patriot once raised $15,000 dollars for Wounded Warriors on a ride. His knowledge ran the gamut of everything from useless facts (of which he had thousands) to the most critical bits of wisdom needed to guide and support his vast network of friends, family, and coworkers. His family was priority number one: with his kids he blended right in, engaging them in video games (Zelda, Mario Kart) and all of the Marvel Comic Universe Movies. The rest of his family knew he was the kind of guy who would move mountains to be there for them – always. From the days of his youth, if he looked over his shoulder, he’d see his sister trailing a few steps behind him, and he always allowed her to tag along. At work he was a titan; a software analytical mind who took pride in a well-fitting suit and drawing clients into a beautifully crafted story across every facet of a company – all the way up to CEO’s of multinational corporations. Saying he was organized is an understatement; people who really knew Blair know how much he loved a good spreadsheet. Relaxing times found him immersed in music. An eclectic mix: everything from Hamilton to Metallica: the good music as he deemed it. Or he might be out on the water, either in his kayak or out on his boat on the Sassafras River. He was a fun-loving, kind, driven, and compassionate pillar of the community who spread light in every interaction. We are all better for having known him.
He’d met his wife, Erin, through his sister while at Elizabethtown College. They’d share a 17-year marriage (together for 22) blessed by 2 children, Addison and Blair. He is survived by his parents Blair and Sharon, his sister, Nichelle (Matthew) Smith and his niece, Lizzie. Blair also had an unofficial brother, Michael McLane.
Come celebrate 41 great years at Botto’s Italian Line Restaurant, Swedesboro, NJ, Wednesday August 21st, 12-2PM.