Stephen Michael Blair (February 5, 1974 - February 28, 2008)

(posted 3-13-08 by Drew McWilliams)

I have been Stephen's life partner for over 11 years. It is with great sadness, awe and lingering shock that I post information about Stephen's death two weeks ago from today. Stephen was incredibly genuine, generous, brilliant and humorous as a writer, friend, family member and partner. I am only at the beginning stages of grief that include a deep appreciation of and longing for his presence in my life. I'm pasting below thoughts from a close friend and colleague, Meg Daily, combined with input from me and his parents that have formed an obituary in Portland's Just Out publication.


I haven't thought through enough about if or how I should further honor him with some form of continued postings, but may consider tidbits over time about what I glean from the process of living through such profound grief including the importantance of levity. I've been a mental, emotional and spiritual health professional for a long time and have always looked for ways to help myself and others manage through the ups and downs of life on this planet. For now, I wish you well and hope you appreciate what's written below. For some very irreverant and contagious humor, please consider watching any of the Comedy Central episodes of Strangers with Candy showcasing the illustrious Amy Sedaris. Our life was filled with numorous quips from three seasons worth of episodes.

My hearthfelt thanks to family and friends for their ongoing support and comfort in dealing with the suddenness of his death. In thinking about Stephen being physically gone, I leave you with a memorable phrase from our favorite animated character, Stewie, from the infamous Family Guy DVD TV series: "Damn it all to the bloody bowels of hell!"


Sincerely, Drew McWilliams

(PS: Feel free to post a comment by clicking on the envelope at the end.)


A vibrant life cut short
Meg Daly remembers writer Stephen Blair, who died February 28 in Portland

The irony is crushing. Like Vincent Van Gogh and Virginia Woolf, whose brilliant creative temperaments were coupled with severe manic-depressive disorder, Stephen wrestled for years to subdue his demons in service of his gifts.

I first got to know Stephen over plates of pumpkin curry at a Portland Thai restaurant. At the time, he was writing for the Portland Tribune and I was the PR manager for Portland Arts & Lectures. Our talk quickly veered from business into dishing about literary media whores. I was instantly charmed by his quick wit, unbridled intensity, and hip thrift-store fashion. That lunch led to seven years of inspired, devoted friendship.

Stephen showered his friends with his trademark irreverent humor. Whether attending a party as Amy Sedaris’s alter ego Jerri Blank or showing up for a babysitting gig with “Nanny McPhee” written on duct tape across his chest, Stephen’s humor and humanity were pitch perfect.

So too was his writing. Fortunately he left us a record of his unique voice on his blog http://www.blairfruit.com/. I’d encourage any budding arts writer as well as old pros to turn to Stephen’s work for a tutorial on how to combine summary and critique in whip-smart, engaging prose.

Stephen Michael Blair was born February 5, 1974 and grew up in Vernon, Connecticut. He graduated from Rockville High in 1992 and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bowdoin College in 1996. He is survived by his long-time partner Drew McWilliams; his parents Michael and Susan Blair; his sister and brother-in-law Patricia and William Lennox and their son Eli; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Gifts can be made to the Stephen Blair Memorial Staff Appreciation Fund, Morrison Child and Family Services, Development Office, 1500 NE Irving St., Suite 250, Portland, OR, 97232.

As for the questions “Why?” and “Why now?” which many of us close to Stephen are asking, answers may always elude us. That the bipolar disorder seemed to seize the reins in the end is little comfort. My heart is with Drew, as we who survive Stephen continue that most essential creative act: the art of living.