Michael "Mike" Patrick Blair

Michael “Mike” Patrick Blair was born April 5, 1970, in Washington D.C. to Michael James Blair and Mary Catherine Kordy. He lived in Winchester, Virginia until he moved to Montana with his parents. They lived in Sydney and other places until the family settled in Billings. Mike was very proud of being a welder fabricator. He worked for several places in Billings, Continental Steel in Butte, and Caird Steel in Helena. He gained his certifications through the military, and he had been a proud member of the Montana National Guard. Mike had a close relationship with his father and really loved him. Mike’s dad is one of the few people I watched Mike stop, turn, and truly listen to what he had to say. His dad was his hero. Carol, Mike's stepmom, once told me that Mike was one of the sweetest people she had ever met, even though he tried to be tough. Mike truly wore his heart on his sleeve. Mike has two amazing brothers, Shawn Blair and Scott “Scooter” Blair. One of his favorite memories of Shawn was when they were playing with weapons, and Shawn missed his pants, but got him in the ankle. Shawn and Mike would fight with each other often. For example, once they were fist fighting and carrying on, and the police were called. An old police officer came and had everything calmed down. Mike was sitting on the porch, smoking a cigarette, when a younger police officer showed up, and went after Shawn. The old cop said, “You guys have done it now.” Mike and Shawn were running through the house and were going to get the cops. You go after one of them, you get both Blair Boys. Scooter was deeply loved by his older brother. When I first met Mike, he would tell me story upon story about Scooter. When I found out Mike had a son, I was so confused, that I thought it was Scooter. A story that Mike would always tell about Scooter was when Scooter was little, and he had a toy screwdriver and then would put it in Mike’s belly button, and then screw his belly button on so his ass would not fall off. Mike met Bonnie Conway and they had a relationship. Although it was not destined to last, they had an amazing boy, Tanner. Mike and Tanner were estranged for a large part of Tanner’s life. It was one of the few regrets that Mike had. However, a few months ago, Tanner called, and asked if he, his wife Heather, and their son Mathias could come visit. The answer was one hundred percent yes. From that visit came many more visits afterwards, and the relationship was mended some. They planted vegetables, and shared fishing stories. Mike was always delighted with their visits. When Mike moved to Helena he met Amanda, his wife. He asked her out 6 times and she said “No” every time. One night they were talking, and Kara (Amanda’s Daughter) gave him Amanda’s phone number. Kara said, “I am bored and hungry. I just wanted to go home, call her.” Mike called and asked Amanda out one more time. She finally said yes. The love they had broke many rules, boundaries and he fought to live for her. He was her rock, her strength, and the person that said be a little nicer every day. She misses him with every breath. They went hunting, fishing, and camping as much as possible with their dog, Jack. Amanda had two daughters, Kara and Katie. Mike loved both girls as if they were his own children. Kara was calling one night about getting a dog and when the person called back, she was so cute. She said, “Okay, okay, talk to my stepdad, dad, hell my Mikey person.” Mike was truly her person; he was her voice of reason in rough going. Mike did not have to step up, but he did. Mike and Katie would go fishing often. One day she got so frustrated she threw her pole into the lake. She was forever Crazy Katie the fishing pole-throwing lady. They had some tough times but seemed to be on even ground at the time of Mike’s death. Mike also stepped up and helped raise Leo, Kara’s son. He was there from the time of his birth. Mike and Amanda had Leo for about a year, and he enjoyed being a parent to him. He loved “His Boy” with all his heart. Mike and Amanda had a fetal demise of their daughter, Karrera May Blair. We choose to think that Mike gets to parent and be with her. Our vision is that the two of them are hiking up a mountain, fishing, and laughing together. Mike was a fighter, he fought for justice, he fought for what was right, and he fought for love. In the end he fought for his life. His health issues were many and the latest addition of pancreatitis was one fight he just couldn’t take on. Tuesday, May 24, 2022, he succumbed to the many health issues. Mike is preceded in death by his beloved grandma, Lucille “Peggy” Dart; his daughter, Karrera May Blair; and his dog, Buster. Mike leaves behind his father, Michael J. Blair; stepmom, Carol; wife, Amanda Blair; brothers, Shawn (Kristen) Blair and Scott (Kate); son, Tanner (Heather) Blair; daughters, Kara (Shawn) Cevera and Katie Clark; grandchildren, Leo, Mathias, Aria, Karerra, and Fenyx; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends. We will have a celebration for Mike on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 3:00 pm in Great Falls at 3301 Stagecoach Avenue. Be prepared to play games, tell stories, and have fun. We will have a potluck and BBQ. Mike loved home cooking, and his favorite ingredients were butter and bacon grease. So, if you are wondering what to bring, something along those lines would be perfect. Mike also wanted pie, so there will be lots of pie. Questions, please call Amanda Blair (406) 459-7903, or Kara Cevera (406) 459-9094.