Patricia L. Blair

Published 12:12 pm Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Patricia L. Blair (Pat Blair)

January 14, 1936 – August 25, 2023



The passing of Patricia L. Blair, also known as Pat Blair, has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew her. This inspirational woman lived her 87 years to the fullest, dedicating her life to providing guidance and support to those around her. Pat was not only a loving mother and friend, but also a talented artist and teacher. Her impact on the lives of those around her was immeasurable. Her obituary may describe her legacy as an accomplished teacher, mentor, mother, friend, but those who knew her will remember her for the way she encouraged them to achieve their dreams. Pat’s love for life and her ability to give so much of herself to others reminds us of a quote from Shel Silverstein’s A Light in The Attic, “How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live ‘em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give ‘em.” Pat gave generously of herself, and we are all better for having known her.

Pat’s story is truly inspirational. From Children’s librarian to artist to business owner, Pat’s career and life has been nothing short of inspirational. Beyond her work at the Jackson County Library System, Pat dedicated her time to volunteering her time and talents with the Medford Storytelling Guild and mentoring others in her community. With her guidance, Pat led the Storytelling Guild and helped organize the Children’s Festival for 52 years. Pat had also created the whimsical dragon graphics for the Children’s Festival for all those years.

Having worked as an artist for most of her adult life, she decided to take a leap of faith and open her own business, HOT POTS, where she taught pottery painting classes. She continued to serve her community even after retiring from her 30-year career at the Jackson County Library Services. Pat was an extraordinary figure in the world of library services, art, and education. Her outstanding achievements over the years, including the 2006 Jefferson Award and Oregon Library Association’s Lampman Award, demonstrate her unwavering passion for guidance, particularly within the field of children’s services. Pat’s exceptional contributions to the Jackson County Library and the Medford Library’s Children’s Room were so substantial that the latter was even named in her honor. She also demonstrated her profound commitment to the arts by serving as a board member for numerous organizations, including The Britt Music Festival and the Rogue Valley Art Association, where she was a Life Member. Her dedication was such that even after her retirement, she continued to work closely with the Medford Storytelling Guild. Pat’s guidance and mentorship have left a lasting impact on those who have had the privilege of working with her.

We all have passions in life that guide us and give us purpose. For Pat, it was art. She dedicated 46 years of her life to the Rogue Valley Art Association, serving on the Board of Directors for eight years and leading as President for two consecutive terms. Pat also lent her talents to the Rogue Gallery and Art Center’s annual sales programs and fundraisers such as ART IN BLOOM SMUDGE POT POURRI as a skilled Smudge Pot Artist. But her greatest gift was found in sharing her talents. In 2004, Pat began teaching watercolor classes in her home studio, guiding aspiring artists in sketching, drawing with graphite pencils, charcoal, pen, and ink and filling a beloved niche with her Art Journaling classes. Now, as we celebrate and mourn Pat’s life, we can find inspiration from her dedication to art and vast expertise to continue growing and pursuing our own passions with the same level of enthusiasm and guidance that she so beautifully embodied.

Pat was deeply respected, admired, and cherished by those who knew her. Her legacy as an artist and mentor will always be remembered as truly inspirational. Her guidance and support were felt by many, encouraging volunteers to take creative risks and embrace their own unique style. Even in her obituary, Pat’s impact was palpable as the community mourned the loss of a talented and dedicated creator. We can all learn from Pat’s unwavering dedication to her craft and her willingness to share her talents with others.

Although Pat has passed away, her legacy lives on through her three daughters, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Her family’s love for her is apparent in their touching obituary, which inspires others to cherish their own loved ones. Pat’s life may have ended, but she left behind a beautiful family that will forever honor her memory. As Mel Robbins once said, “the only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” Pat’s family chooses to honor her by remembering the love and inspiration she provided throughout her life. Her legacy lives on through the love and inspiration she provided, reminding us all that every act of kindness can have a ripple effect on those around us. We can continue her legacy by volunteering and giving back to the community. By lending a hand to those in need, we not only enrich their lives, but we also cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment within ourselves. Let’s honor Pat by following in her footsteps and making a positive impact in the world, one act of kindness at a time.



Story Telling Guild and The Children’s Festivals http://www.storytellingguild.org/childrens-festival.html
http://www.storytellingguild.org/volunteer-information.html