John Arlington Blair, Jr. passed away at his home in Yarmouth, Maine, on Monday, May 18, 2026. He showed great strength, fortitude, and positive attitude throughout these past few years while fighting cancer.
John was born in Waterville, Maine, on March 13,1954. He was the son of the late John Arlington Blair and Dora Mae (Quirion) Blair. He grew up in Fairfield, Maine, and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1972.
After graduation, John worked in construction for several years before joining Bath Iron Works (BIW) in the early 80’s. He enjoyed a long and successful career in the shipbuilding industry, learning and growing professionally until his retirement in 2023. He was very proud of the education, knowledge and experience he gained as a supervisor and manager. John also formed many lasting friendships at BIW that continued
well into retirement.
John had many interests and passions. He loved traveling and exploring Europe with his wife Linda, taking walks on the beach with his dog, Comet, discovering new restaurants, and listening to his favorite classic rock bands and songs. He was also a devoted fan of the classic sci-fi television shows The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits and never tired of watching reruns.
From a young age, John developed a love for muscle cars and owned a couple throughout his lifetime. He was an avid sports fan, especially devoted to the New York Giants Football and Texas Rangers Baseball
teams. He enjoyed playing cribbage, golfing with his brothers, and spending time with family whenever he could. He was a proud father of Ian and Nate, and grandfather to Hannah.
John often reminisced about his years growing up in Fairfield – especially his favorite hangouts and local establishments including the old Creamery, Hillman’s Bakery, Greenlaw’s, Sonny’s Pizza and Bolley’s Hotdogs. He was an athlete that played football and ran track at Lawrence High School. He was known as a true speedster. Whether running the 100-yard dash at a track meet, scoring touchdowns on the
football field, or cruising in his Plymouth Roadrunner, nobody could catch him! His passion for athletics extended into his years after high school lifting weights at Gilley’s Gym in Waterville. He competed and
won powerlifting competitions at a national level.
John made many lifelong friends during his formative years and remained especially close to neighborhood friends John Julia and John Holt. He deeply valued his LHS classmates and enjoyed getting together at the
Pointe Afta in Winslow or at someone’s home to catch up and reminisce. He was instrumental in encouraging those reunions and keeping those connections strong.
John was predeceased by his parents, John Arlington Blair and Dora Mae (Quirion) Blair, his sisters, Dianne (Blair) Scott and Cheryl (Blair) Emery; his son, Ian Holmwood; and his niece, Emily Blair.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Johnston of Yarmouth; his son, Nathan Blair and wife Virginia of Winslow; stepsons Jeffrey Johnston and wife Jenni of Greenwood, Kevin Johnston and wife Amber of Oxford; grandchildren Hannah Holmwood, Brianna, Camden, William, Lucian, Ayla, and Jayce Johnston; his siblings, Neil Joseph and wife Donna of
Fairfield, Dana Blair and wife Wanda of Newport, Stephen Blair of Fairfield, Gloria Blair-Chapman and husband Mark of Sidney, Janet Condon and significant other Martin Rankin of Clinton, and Rexford Blair and wife Michelle of Winslow; sisters-in-law, Vicky Oberlin of Rye NH, Julie Suchcicki and husband Krzys of Acworth, GA; brother-in-law, Tom Chasse and wife Donna of Dover, Idaho; along with many nieces, nephews,
extended family members, and dear friends.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Catherine Fredricks-Rehagen, Dr. Christopher Tretter, Dr. Jesse Sammon and Andwell Health Partners Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.
A graveside burial service will be held for family and friends at Maplewood Cemetery in Fairfield, Maine, on Monday, June 15th at 11:00 a.m. The burial service will be presided over by Pastor, Steven Donahue.
An after service reception will be held at the Shawmut Chapel Fellowship room immediately following the graveside service.