March 4, 1941 - January 18, 2025
Blaine was born in Dawson Creek, where he was raised with brothers Robert, Glenn, and Gordon, by their single mother, Ada. Her strength of character and career as a schoolteacher made a deep impression upon Blaine. After graduating from UBC, he eventually settled in Prince George, where he taught French, Spanish, and the International Baccalaureate Program for 35 years at Duchess Park and PGSS.
Blaine’s engaging, vibrant, and upbeat personality created fond and lasting memories for his numerous
language students. He was a supportive and well-respected colleague and influential mentor to the student-teachers he trained. He had a great smile, charming manner, and dapper look. These certainly drew the attention of Anne, a teacher-librarian, whom he married in 1973. The couple was ecstatic when they were able to buy their dream heritage home on Laurier Crescent. They were wonderful hosts in their social circles and especially enjoyed travelling to Europe and New Mexico. Summers were also spent at their property on Cape Breton Island. They enjoyed gardening,cooking, dancing, going to the symphony, and taking walks with their dogs. People would comment on the sweet little white-haired couple who loved to stroll in the Crescents neighbourhood.
Blaine was a devoted husband to the “love of his life” until Anne’s devastating supranuclear palsy led to her death in 2014. His own health hardship occurred 7 years ago with a severe stroke on the right side of his body. His days of avid skiing, swimming, and hiking were over—replaced by adventures through reading. Blaine would go through 3-4 books per week and was a faithful reader of the Citizen newspaper. He especially enjoyed visits and news from friends and neighbours as he was homebound. His niece Cathy Jeannotte held a special place in his heart.
Blaine’s health took a bad turn after falls this past October and he spent the last 3½ months in the local hospital. Thank you to the staff for their care of him during his time there. Education was extremely important to both Blaine and Anne. They have generously left their estate to establish an endowment at the University of Northern British Columbia.
There will be no funeral service by request.
Donations in Blaine’s memory can be made to either the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation, Prince George Council of Seniors (Meals on Wheels) or the
Prince George Symphony Orchestra.