Obituary of Blair Simcoe

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Blair Simcoe, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at the age of 82 years.

The evening of January 23, 2022, Blair Simcoe passed away in the Dawson Creek hospital, his loving wife Sandy Dahlen and son’s Alan & Dennis Simcoe at his side.

Blair was born in the Battle River hospital, Manning, Alberta, February 17, 1939, the only child of Charles and Helen Simcoe.

The first 13 years of his life he lived on a farm outside of North Star, Alberta in a wood house with no running water or electricity, heated only by a wood stove. His parents separated in his elementary school years, Blair staying on the farm with his Dad. His Dad was often away leaving young Blair to fend for himself which sometimes meant he had to drive an old 1937 crank start tractor to town for supplies.  He attended school, sometimes on horseback, but without parental guidance would often miss.  At 13 he moved to North Star to live with his mother until 16 at which time he left school to work at the local sawmill for $0.65/hr.

In 1956, he started working for the PGE Railway (BC Rail) on a survey crew bringing him to Dawson Creek, B.C.  After two years of working the rails, he was hired to work at McLevin Brothers in 1958. Blair’s industriousness, independence and incredible work ethic he developed as a kid served him well.  Blair worked his way into an ownership position and worked at McLevins for 43 years, from which he sold and retired in 2001.

Blair truly enjoyed the Peace Country, in his younger years hunting and enjoying everything the outdoors offered.  Blair’s two boys where his most valued possession and as they grew, he moved more to activities they could enjoy together, snowmobiling, quadding and boating, eventually buying a lot at Swan Lake, towing the boys endlessly waterskiing of which he never tired.  As grandchildren came into the picture, they too loved visiting Grandpa and Grandma Sandy, where they learned how to drive on a quad and lawn tractor, snowmobiling and many wiener roasts.   The lake lot was a steady focal point of get togethers for over 25 years.  Blair was a formidable crib player, Friday nights were reserved for a great game, treats and laughter with great friends.  He put many miles on his vehicles, driving every road, discovering anything and everything the Peace Country offered.  Blair and his friends would often be found in a local coffee shop solving the world’s problems.

Blair will be deeply missed, he leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Sandra Dahlen, children and grandchildren Alan (Sandy), Lucas, Jonathan and Benjamin Simcoe; Dennis (Nicole), Brooke and Jordan Simcoe. Stepchildren Shawn (and Nikki), Daylia and Karlee Dahlen; Crystal (Geoff) and Logan Harris.

At Blair’s request there will be no memorial. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the D.C. & District Auxillary Society of Local Healthcare, 11100 13 St, Dawson Creek BC, V1G 3W8, as a thank you to the staff and caregivers that helped him in his final days.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium