"Let there be hope, let there be stories, let there be celebration of a life well lived".

Blair Holden Purdy, age 67, of South Auburn, PA passed away on Monday afternoon, January 2, 2023, at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore, PA surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Meshoppen, PA on March 13, 1955, a son of the late Eugene (d. Dec. 5, 2009) and Dorothy Arnold Purdy (d. June 23, 2016).  He was a 1973 graduate of Elk Lake High School where he was known for his wrestling skills.  Blair was also a graduate of the Breedon School of Welding.  Following graduation, Blair enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.  He resumed farming on the Harmony Hill Farm with his father and acquired ownership of the dairy in 1988.  He and his wife, the former Janet Steele, were married for 42 years, operating the dairy together.

A lifelong farmer, Blair's knowledge of, dedication to, and love for his animals enabled him to operate a successful dairy before transitioning to raising beef cows up to the present time.  He was proud of his tractors, equipment, and mechanical skills and was always willing to help others during busy crop and harvest seasons.

He was a devoted attendee of the Braintrim Baptist Church in Laceyville, PA.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by 2 brothers, Thomas Purdy (Dawnney Talbert)of South Auburn, PA and Keith Purdy (Annette) of Vestal, NY; 2 sisters, Terry Purdy Arena (Chris) of South Auburn, PA and Gwen Wilcox (Glen) of Tunkhannock, PA; and his 2 brothers-in-law, John Piccotti of Transue, PA and Wayne Steele (Sharon) of Piscataway, NJ.  Blair is also survived by numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends, all who aided Blair during his last months.

Besides his parents, Blair was preceded in death by his sisters, Melinda Piccotti (d. Feb. 20, 2018) and Cindy Sweeting, as well as Cindy's husband, Robert.

A Celebration of Blair's life will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM from the Rought Hall American Legion Post # 510, 328 Old RTE 6 Rd., Laceyville, PA, 18623 and officiated by Pastor Joseph Kilmer and Pastor Rich Hatch of the Braintrim Baptist Church.  Also officiating are retired Baptist minister and family friend, Reverend Mark King, and cousin, Pastor Raymond Purdy.  A Military Honors Service will be conducted by members of the Rought Hall American Legion Post #510 of Black Walnut, the Dennis Strong American Legion Post #457 of Tunkhannock, and the Endless Mountains VFW Post #3583 of  Mehoopany.  Family and friends may call at the Legion on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made in Blair's name to the Braintrim Baptist Church, PO Box 281, Laceyville, PA 18623, or to WPEL-FM, PO Box 248, Montrose, PA, 18801-0248.

Arrangements were made through the Sheldon Funeral Home, 459 Main St., Laceyville, PA, 18623.

Online condolences may be made at www.SheldonFuneralHomes.com .

"Love the animals; God has given them the beginnings of thought and untroubled joy.  So do not disturb their joy, do not torment them, do not deprive them of their well-being…"

Fyodor Dostoesvsky

From The Brothers Karamazov