Blair Alan Roeder

Blair Roeder, 68, of Longmont, Colorado, passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, on May 20, 2025, due to complications from a heart attack. Blair went out just as he lived: on his own terms, stubbornly, and with his delightfully inappropriate humor.

Blair was born in Buffalo on September 6, 1956, and from an early age, he was known for his razor-sharp wit, strong will, the ability to MacGyver any situation with just a blue paperclip and duct tape, and the ability to make just about anyone laugh.

At age 11, Blair met the girl who would become the love of his life, literally the girl next door. Maggie (née Semple) and Blair grew up side by side, fell in love as teenagers, and married in 1979. Their love story spanned more than 46 years and was built on fierce devotion, endless laughter, and a bond that never wavered.

After high school, Blair voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Though the war ended while he was still in Basic Training, he proudly served from 1974 to 1977 in Germany as a Specialist 4 with the 41st Field Artillery Group, playing a key role in the Cold War era efforts to contain the Iron Curtain. He carried that same sense of discipline, patriotism, and honor with him throughout his life.

In 1982, Blair and Maggie welcomed their first daughter, Tara, followed by Ashley in 1985. Their family was the center of his universe. In time, he became “Papa” to three grandchildren: Tyler, who inherited his bold spirit and humor and Shae and Hannah, whom he loved fiercely as his own. Blair raised his family in Cleveland, Ohio, before relocating to Colorado in 2000 to begin a new chapter out West.

Blair was a master of all trades. A true fixer of all things. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t repair, rebuild, or reimagine. He measured his worth by how he could help others and rarely said no when someone needed a hand. His strength, selflessness, and ingenuity made him the first call for so many.

He loved to camp, fish, and talk about history. Blair could strike up a conversation with anyone, from close friends to strangers, and he made everyone feel welcome. He was stoic, kind, supportive, and fiercely loyal. If you were his person, you knew it and you always felt safe in his corner.

His personal motto, “Adapt and Overcome,” wasn’t just something he said. It was how he lived. Even when retirement proved emotionally and physically difficult, and his health declined, Blair faced every challenge with the same tenacity that defined his life.

Blair is survived by his devoted wife, Maggie Roeder; his daughters, Tara and Ashley (Chelsea); his beloved grandchildren, Tyler, Shae, and Hannah; his brother Toby (Tami); and numerous nieces and nephews.

While Blair wasn’t one for ceremonies or sentimentality, a Final Toast will be held at a later date. A time to raise a glass, share the stories that made him unforgettable, and celebrate the man who made every room brighter, funnier, and more real simply by being in it.

He was deeply loved. He will be deeply missed. And if he had any say in it, he’s already found a quiet lake, a full tackle box, and a pool table on the other side.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VA, in recognition of the support and sacrifice of fellow veterans.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com with his loving family.