Christopher David Blair, 77, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 8, 2022. He was born in Seattle, Washington to Leon Blair and Mary Birchfield and was raised by his father and step-mother Edith (Witec) Blair, and his beloved Aunt Sibil Leftwich. A longtime Ridgway
A longtime Ridgway resident, Christopher was a worldly man known for his intelligence, kindness and equinimity. He wore many hats over the course of his life, from star student and horseman in his youth, to Naval Reservist, scuba instructor, lawyer and business executive, to father, grandfather and spiritual explorer.
As a child, Christopher lived abroad in France, Switzerland and Morocco, where he learned to speak several languages, including French, German, Arabic, and Spanish. Born into a family with Texas roots and a deep love for horses, Christopher became an excellent rider and horseman. At the tender age of 14, he was gifted two Arabian horses, Soucieux and Aisha, by the Princess of Morocco for helping the Moroccan government during a time of need.
Christopher attended the U.S. Naval Academy for one year before earning a degree in Economics from the University of Texas. He served in the Naval Reserves on the USS Ranger CV-61 and earned a law degree from the University of Denver. His work in the oil and gas industry led him to become Vice President of Axem Resources, Inc. in Denver. He was ambitious, smart and respected as a lawyer.
Christopher lived most of his adult life in Colorado, where he raised his three children for whom he cared greatly. He loved teaching his kids to ride and attending their track meets. Diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s at the age of 45, he devoted himself to his family and children.
In 1995, Christopher met Miki Gabalac and their friendship blossomed into a lifelong love. They moved to Ridgway in 2001, where Christopher joined the pond cleaning crew at Orvis Hot Springs and sang in the Ouray County Chorus. Christopher and Miki ran a legal consulting business together, and they enjoyed a close, authentic, loving relationship for 25 years. They loved to read and discuss life, history, spirituality and philosophy with each other.
Christopher will be remembered fondly for his uncanny love of puns, his voracious appetite, and his signature fishing vest without which he never left home.
Christopher is survived by his wife, Miki Gabalac; children, Lauren Blair (Yuri Chicovsky), Matthew (Lea) Blair and Kelsey (Theo) Mooney; grandchildren, Ollie Chicovsky, Liza and Freya Blair, and Molly, Henry, and Abigale Mooney; step-children, Matthew (Larissa) Sloan and Beau (Carrie) Sloan; and step-grandchildren, Jerri, Quincy, Atticus and Peyton.
A celebration of life and potluck will be held from 2:30-5:30 p.m. May 7, 2022 at Hartwell Park in Ridgway. Please join us to celebrate Christopher and share your thoughts and condolences by visiting his Tribute Wall at www.eckardbaldwin.com
In lieu of flowers, please honor Christopher’s memory with a donation to Equine Empowerment, a local Ridgway therapeutic riding program.
