Bart Lavell Blair

Bart LaVell Blair, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away at

his home in Chico, CA. on May 24, 2024, at the age of 97. He was born on January 14, 1927, in Nibley, Utah, to Chester and LaVoyle Smith Blair.

Bart spent his early years working on his grandfather’s farm. Here he learned how to work hard, a trait

that would remain with him throughout his life. It served him well as a father, business owner, and

church leader.

Bart graduated from North Cache High School in Richmond, UT in 1945. Two weeks after graduating he

reported to Ft. Douglas, UT for military duty. He served as an army clerk in the Aleutian Islands during

WWII. After returning home from military service, Bart moved to Los Angeles, CA. Here he met his

sweetheart Virginia Jackson. They married on July 29, 1950.

In 1953. Bart and Virginia moved to Chico, CA where they would spend the rest of their lives together

raising a family of 5 children. In 1960, Bart and his business partner established Artic Aire Refrigeration,

which he owned and operated for 30 years until his retirement. Artic Aire was the largest refrigeration

company in Butte County, and was awarded as one of 3 business models in the country by Lennox Corp.

Bart’s life did not slow down after retirement. He enjoyed working in his fruit orchard and gardening.

He blessed many people as he shared the fruits of his labor with them.

Bart enjoyed traveling and had visited all 50 states. He and Virginia traveled to numerous countries

during their lifetime.

Bart was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was loved and

admired by all for his compassion, leadership, and loving service, as a bishop, and a counselor in the

stake presidency in his church. Bart and Virginia served 4 missions together, with Bart serving two

additional missions, a service mission to India and a church historical mission.

Bart lived his life to the fullest. He served the Lord with all his might, mind, and strength, and he did so

with joy. His devotion to his family and the Lord is the legacy he has left for us.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Virginia, of seventy-three years; daughter, Pamela Jean

Ivy; son-in-law, Brad Peterson; and great granddaughter, Julia Loveland. He is survived by his children,

Janet (Jay) Jensen, Riverton, UT; Susan Peterson, Springdale, WA; Robert Blair, Chico, CA; Linda (Tad)

Espinosa, Los Molinos, CA; 19 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Friday June 7, 2024, at 10:00 A.M., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center, 2430 Mariposa Ave. Chico, CA. A viewing will be held at the church from 9:00 -

9:45 A.M. Internment at Glen Oaks Cemetery, 11115 Midway, Chico, CA.