Groton, VT - Mike Blair, 76, of Groton, Vermont, entered his heavenly home on January 7, 2024, after passing away from Posterior Cortical Atrophy, a form of dementia, diagnosed in 2019. Michael Owen Blair, born in Woodsville on June 8, 1947, was the third son of Glenn and Iola (Moulton) Blair.
He was a graduate of Woodsville High School and a proud Marine and veteran of the Vietnam War.  Mike arrived in Vietnam in March 1967 and served two tours in Vietnam in 2nd battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division.  From March to November of 1967, he carried an M-16 and side arm as he was in several operations along the DMZ, later assigned to the M-79 grenade launcher as "bloop" man.  He then volunteered to become part of the Combined Action Program (CAP), consisting of a small contingent of Marines with a Navy corpsman.  These units lived in the villages near the DMZ and served as protectors in the assigned village.  They formed friendships with the South Vietnam families in the villages.  Mike would say his service in the Marine Corps was one of the best times in his life.  He remained with CAP until he left Vietnam in November 1968 and returned to his hometown of Woodsville.
He married Sally-Jo (French) Blair September 13, 1969, and they were blessed with four children, daughters Andrea Blair and her husband J.D. Schall from Louisville, KY; Alissa Dixon and her sons Nicolas and Jacob Dixon from Louisburg, NC; Adrianne Blair, Louisville, KY; and son, Michael Jared Blair and fiancée Trisha Gautreau, Piermont, NH.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother Ronald Max Blair and son-in-law Coley Dixon.  He is survived by his wife of 54 years, children and grandchildren, as well as his brother Peter Blair (and Diane) of Holly Springs, GA. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Josephine French and his close brothers- and sisters-in-law, Peter and Shauna Kimball, Michael and Sandy Keller, Larry and Su-Ann Sulham, and Jon and Janet French.
Mike and Sally started their company in 1972, Northeastern Log Erectors, Inc. Mike was a respected builder of Northeastern Log Homes.  With Mike's competent and talented crew, they built homes and commercial log buildings in all New England states, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and even built internationally in Israel, Russia and Grand Cayman Island during his 34-year career.
Mike was civic minded, serving as selectman for the town of Groton for 13 years.  He was instrumental in getting the Veteran's Park in motion, and he constructed the bandstand on the park in Groton.  For decades he faithfully mowed the William Scott Monument property located one mile from his home in West Groton.
Mike served as trustee and deacon at the First Baptist Church in Groton, and his church family was a very important part of his life.  We appreciate the support and love shown us by our church family and so many in the small town of Groton.  However, Mike had a deep love for his hometown of Woodsville, and although he lived in Vermont for 53 years, he was a New Hampshire boy!
Calling hours will be Monday January 15, 2024, from 5-7 PM at Ricker Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Woodsville, 1 Birch St. Woodsville, NH.  There will be a funeral service on Tuesday January 16, 2024, at 11AM at First Baptist Church, 1115 Scott Hwy, Groton, VT.  The burial will be held privately at the NH State Veterans Cemetery.   The family would appreciate those who wish to send flowers please consider a donation to First Baptist Church, PO Box 128, Groton, VT 05046