(written by
Jeannine)
Last night we said goodbye to our sweet, beautiful Blair. He left this
world as he lived it, with grace and peace, surrounded by the family and
extended family he cherished. We all prayed for a miracle, and I believe
Blair’s life was that miracle.
His genuine and deep kindness, the unconditional love he showed his friends and
family, the joy and humor with which he met each day, even in the toughest of
times, touched everyone who knew him. His life was an extraordinary
event. And yet we’re so sad.
The
depth of this loss is unfathomable. It makes words hard to find.
But we’re so thankful to all of you, and in the next few days we’ll let
those who have been reaching out know how you can help. In the
meantime, please know how much your loving words, prayers and thoughts have meant
to us and to Blair these past six weeks.
With love from Blair's family, Gina, Annabel, Cole, sister Jeanine,
brother-in-law John, nephew Riley, nieces Violet and Mackenzie, brother Alan and his fiancee Molly, father and stepmother,
Ren and Kathy and mother, Jean.
Dear Renshaw Family.
I'm so sorry to hear about this. Blair is such a wonderful person...always so friendly and approachable.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Cheryl | September 09, 2009 at 01:22 AM
I am so shocked and saddened to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I remember him from RPA - he was the embodiment of class. I will miss Blair.
Posted by: Rhett | September 09, 2009 at 11:25 AM
How can such a complex and interesting man have managed nonetheless to convey his rich essence to so many people, as expressed by their memories, documented here? Jeannine must be correct; Blair was a miracle. He even designed this blog!
All who have known Blair at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre send their affection now, and their hands whenever you need them.
Jennifer Polhemus
Posted by: twitter.com/JPolhemus | September 09, 2009 at 01:19 PM
I don't know what to say, other than it is Something isn't it, how many lives one can touch, even from the distance of space and even Time. So many of us are grieving, even those of us who hold you mostly in the precious place of Memory. You are both so very important to me, and some of my very first lessons about loss and grief and the possible Beauty there I learned when Blair's beautiful dog left us (Nunetchka? Is that right?) I am so very sorry for your loss, Gina.
Your partnership was one of the very first (and still rare) True Partnerships that i ever saw... My thoughts and prayers and with you and your family... Amy Kane
Posted by: amy | September 09, 2009 at 02:11 PM
Dear Renshaws,
My deepest condolences for your loss. Blair always had a smile on his face. He was never afraid to be goofy to brighten your day. His big bear hugs were warm and just put you at ease. I hope you find comfort in the love and support from all the people he touched. Truly inspirational.
Posted by: Donald | September 09, 2009 at 04:21 PM
What a great laugh and smile.
What a great guy.
The Blair family should be incredibly proud and I feel so lucky to have known him for the short time that I did.
Blair leaves a wonderful legacy behind.
We are sending you all our love and strength in this incredibly hard time.
The Salmaggi Family
Posted by: Aileen | September 09, 2009 at 09:48 PM
Earlier this year, Blair reached out to me in a way & at a time when no one else would. I will be forever grateful to him. We both spent many years at RPA, and he would remind me of our shared experiences in those early years – things that I didn’t always remember, but he did. Blair could make anyone feel important & special, when it was in fact Blair who was important & truly special.
It’s late, and it’s time for you to go home. G’night Mr. Renshaw.
Posted by: helene z | September 10, 2009 at 01:25 AM
David Smith and Benjamin Cipriano, two of Blair's co-workers at RPA, shared a few words about Blair with everyone gathered at RPA's Thursday happy hour.
I shot a little video of what was said, and posted it here for anyone who might be interested to see just a little bit of how much he was loved by the people who worked with him:
http://vimeo.com/6535985
Posted by: steve | September 11, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Sending you love and prayers from Dexter and me. i felt Blair had gone, even before I knew. And I am so sad for everyone. I will always cherish memories of his smile, his laugh, his brilliance and soulful ways. Gina, please know that I am available for whatever you need, whenever you need it. With love, Brianna
Posted by: Brianna Shepard | September 11, 2009 at 04:33 PM
Gina, Annabel and Cole--
You are in our thoughts...
With deep condolences,
Ellen and Rebecca Sugerman
Posted by: Ellen Sugerman | September 11, 2009 at 09:55 PM
I am sorry to hear of Blair's passing. I know this is a very difficult time for you. I offer my sincerest condolences. Blair was a very special person.
jeff
Posted by: Jeff Korn | September 14, 2009 at 02:28 AM
Dear Gina, Annabel, Cole and all of Blair's family,
Blair was a beautiful person. He will always be remembered by us. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sylvia and Ramon Esparza & Family
Posted by: Sylvia Esparza | September 14, 2009 at 05:09 PM