Dear colleagues,
Williams mourns the loss of Dining staff member Douglas “Doug” Blair, who died on Saturday, October 26.
Doug grew up in South Williamstown, the son of Douglas and Diane Blair. He attended Mount Greylock Regional High School, where he was a member of the class of 1984 and graduated the following year. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a lifelong learner who spoke Spanish and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others.
Former classmates note how they recently reconnected with Doug at their 40th high school reunion this year. “We always had so much fun and lots of shenanigans growing up,” says Amy Wood, a fellow classmate, friend and assistant to the chair of the music department at Williams. “He was an all around great guy.”
Doug had a passion for the culinary field and loved being in the kitchen. Throughout his life, he worked as a chef and a cook in local eateries. He ran the former Springs Restaurant for many years and even opened his own restaurant at one point. While he was at Williams for just over a year, his coworkers in Mission Dining Hall recall that he always spoke about his interactions with the students and was delighted to be a part of the Williams family.
He is also remembered for his dedication to his family, which includes two sisters and children Douglas H. Blair III, Desiree McDonald and Jordan McDonald. The obituary published by Doug’s family includes other details of his life, including his love of hunting, playing guitar and drawing.
Our condolences go out to Doug’s loved ones, friends and colleagues.
Maud