Blair Barner was born September 19, 1938 in Tacoma, Wash., to Harvey and Tressa (Yoakum) Barner. He peacefully passed away on Saturday morning, June 5, 2021 in Olympia, Wash., surrounded by family.
Blair grew up in Centralia enjoying the outdoors and excelling at baseball and track. He graduated from Centralia High School, proudly served in the Marine Corps, and is a Washington State University alum. He was a physical education teacher and basketball coach at Centralia Junior High School. Following an early retirement from teaching, Blair enjoyed three decades of co-owning and managing his own business, North Fork Survivors Mt. St. Helens gift shop.
Blair was always supportive of his children and grandchildren, was a die-hard sports fan (Go Cougs), loved classic cars, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working in his yard.
Blair is preceded in death by his parents Harvey and Tressa; brother Harry and sister Patricia; seven uncles; and two aunts.
He is survived by his wife Joyce (Jaramillo) Barner; his three children, Kelli Barner- Lane (Meredith), Ross Barner (Kristen); and Benjamin Barner (Andrea) from his first marriage to Jean (Gratton) Barner; and Joyce’s three children from her first marriage, Mike Hamlin (Sindi), Janet Hamlin (Susan), and Pete Hamlin. He is also survived by his nine wonderful grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Should friends desire, a memorial contribution may be made to the National Arthritis Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association. A funeral service will not be held, but a celebration of Blair’s life and remembrance will be held at a later date in 2021.
