Warren Blair

Warren L. Blair was born in a small house on Fox Street in Denver. His family later moved to Wheat Ridge, Colorado where Warren excelled as an athlete. He was the Colorado State High Jump champion and led the Farmers to the final game of the State Basketball Tournament in 1949. Warren was the only member of his family to graduate from high school. Warren earned a basketball scholarship at the University of Denver, graduating with degrees in 1953(BA) and 1958(MA). He traveled with his team, usually by train, and played in Madison Square Garden and against a UCLA team in Los Angeles coached by one of his heroes, John Wooden. At DU, Warren met and married the love of his live, Marlene (DeBont) Blair. In 1957 they moved to a home Warren helped build with his brothers on a lake in Southwest Denver.

He had an illustrious 35 year teaching and coaching career in the Denver Public Schools. He taught at Steven Knight Elementary, West High School, and helped open Abraham Lincoln High School where he taught for over 30 years. Warren was inducted into the DPS Coaching Hall of Fame for his success as a Cross County (9 City and 6 State titles), Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball, Golf, and Track coach. He had many state qualifiers in every sport he coached. Warren was the DPS Cross Country Coach of the year for 1969 as voted on by his peers. He considered it a great honor to be called “coach” and developed many lasting relationships with his students and athletes. His favorite classes to teach were Psychology, History and Geography and his sections were always the first to fill up.

Warren’s love of sports continued as a Bronco and CU Buffs football season ticket holder. He loved attending sporting events all over the world including a World Ski Cup in Vail, Wimbledon, the British Open, many US Opens, Bowl Games, Super Bowls, Final Fours and on and on. He was a devoted, golf, Nuggets, Rockies and CU Buffs fan. Warren’s love of sports continued with a passion for teaching golf to everyone he knew so he could beat them, until he couldn’t.

Warren is survived by his wife and soulmate of 68 years, Marlene (DeBont). Marlene was his everything. Warren and Marlene traveled all over the world on their own and with the Ports of Call Travel Club. Hawaii was a favorite. He loved to golf, water ski, and sail. He was happiest surrounded by family or on the golf course. He was equally happy to play St. Andrews, Pebble Beach or Overland Park in Denver. Warren lived a passionate and adventurous life with an entrepreneurial spirit. He built and owned 2 small apartment houses and owned several other rental homes and properties until selling them all in retirement. He became a pilot and enjoyed flying his Cessna 172 to many areas around the country. He sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge with the sailboat he kept in Sausalito. Warren made friends easily and everywhere. Warren had many passions. He loved cars and he could often be seen in the driveway washing and polishing his latest purchase. Did we mention he loved golf and sports?

Warren died surrounded by his wife and 3 of his children. He is survived by his wife and soulmate Marlene; his best friend and brother Lowell Blair, of Grand Junction; his children, Cindy (Mike Ross), Warren Jr. (Mary), Kathy Chandler (Dave Henry), and Chris; his beloved grandchildren, Maren (Braden Scarborough) and Robby, Shannon (John Gross), Marcus (Tiffany), Kelsey (Zoe Espinosa), Kendra, Joe, Melinda (Colton Hugo), Ian and Amy; his great grandchildren, Preston, Holden, Avery, Sam, Luke, and Leliana; and great friends and former athletes Tom Vance (Denver), Paul Romane (Ventura CA), and Rick Kahler (Westminster).

A Memorial Service for Warren will be held on January 8, 2021, at 1:00PM at Horan & McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood CO. Service will be by invitation only due to Covid-19. For those who are unable to attend Warren's service, please join us virtually buy clicking on the following link: https://zoom.us/j/3657434720

Please consider donating to a local Food Bank in remembrance of Warren. Cards can be sent to the family home.

Coach would have wanted you to hold love ones close, be adventurous, and to make a difference for others.

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