Sandi Blair

Sandi Blair, 57, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2012, at home after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, July 27, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, corner of Divide Ave and Washington St., with Pastor Cathy Bliss officiating. A celebration of Sandi's life will take place Thursday, July 26, at First Presbyterian Church, 214 East Thayer Avenue, Bismarck, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place. Sandi was born to Gerald and Beverly Halmrast O'Brien on October 6, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas, where Gerald was stationed at the air force. Later, the family moved to Valley City and then to Bismarck where Sandi attended Grimsrud and Northridge elementary schools, Hughes Junior High School, and Bismarck High School, graduating in 1972. While in high school, Sandi was involved in music, the school newspaper, was a wrestling cheerleader, and a lifeguard at the Elks pool. Sandi attended Bismarck Junior College where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in art, an interest she pursued the rest of her life. After BJC, she worked for REC magazine. In 1975, Sandi married David Blair and from this union three children were born—Justin, Kaija, and Tanner. Sandi was very involved in her children's lives, becoming a hockey and soccer mom. She was their biggest supporter and a tremendous encourager. Later, Sandi started a day care in her home, a vocation that lasted over 30 years. During this time, she cared for dozens of children who remember and love her to this day. In addition to her day care, she also spent a few years with Enable, a position she held until her illness forced her to stop. Sandi was born to be a caregiver who always thought of others before her own needs; even to the time of her death, she was concerned about her family and friends. She influenced hundreds of children and their parents which was evidenced in the outpouring of love at an April benefit for her, messages on her Caring Bridge site, and in many, many cards and letters she received. Sandi is survived by her husband, David; her daughter, Kaija; and her son, Tanner. She also leaves three sisters, Tami Halmrast-Sanchez of Alexandria, Virginia, Jill Monson Jim and Heidi Stein Monte of Bismarck; her mother Beverly Miller and step-father Ev Miller. She also leaves a daughter-in-law, Jodee Blair, of St. Cloud, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Jasper Kuleck of Bismarck and Vaughn Blair of St. Cloud, Minnesota. Sandi is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Gerald Halmrast; her son Justin; and by her father-in-law and mother-in-law Jim and Blanche Blair. Memorials should be directed to the Benefit Account for Sandi Blair.

Sandi Blair

October 6, 1954 - July 22, 2012