Philip Arnold Blair

Philip Arnold Blair on Sept. 4, 2011, after a valiant struggle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).

A native of Phoenix, Phil was born Feb. 3, 1934, and was the oldest son of Dorothy (Arnold) and Oscar A. Blair. He was the grandson of Phoenix pioneers Bessie Lola and W.P. Arnold, founders of the Arnold Pickle & Olive Company, started in 1905 in downtown Phoenix.

He attended Creighton Elementary and North High School and received his B.S. in 1955 from Colorado A & M and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1959 from Colorado State University. He began his veterinary career in Broken Bow, Neb., was partner at the Casa Grande Animal Hospital and became Assistant State Veterinarian with the Arizona Department of Agriculture in 1997.

Phil was an ardent volunteer, always believing in giving back to the profession and state he loved so much. He was past president of the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association, past director of the Board of the Western Veterinary Conference and the American Veterinary Medical Association. He was president of the Van Buren Civic Association and a member of the City of Phoenix Planning and Zoning Committee. He served as a commissioner for the Transit 2000 Steering Committee, playing a large role in the development of the light rail in Phoenix, was president of the East Lake Park Neighborhood Association and on the advisory committee for Gateway Community College and on the board of the Western Saddle Club.