John David McNair, 66, died May 19, 2005, after a lengthy illness.
He was born March 20, 1939, at Baker City, to John and Edith M. McNair. He joined the U.S. Navy during his senior year at St. Francis Academy. He was commissioned from the ranks, served on three ships and with the 1st Marine Division, but spent most of his time in California, where he retired at age 37.
While finishing college, he met and married Farrar A. Bresee. They moved to the wilderness in southern Illinois, designed and built an earth-sheltered house, and enjoyed a life full of art, music and books. Always an avid reader, especially of history, he compiled and published a family genealogy from his ancestors’ days in Maryland, Ohio and Illinois, and westward to Oregon with sojourns in Iowa and Colorado.
To the delight of his wife, he could recite a love poem on bended knee and then sing a bawdy sea chantey while dancing a very dignified jig. Life was interesting and fun to Lt. McNair and it ended too soon. His many friends will miss his dry wit and keen insight.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years; three brothers, Mark G. of The Dalles, William N. of Portland, and Charles H. of Baker City; three married daughters; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Barbara Joanne Devine Hughes, Audrey Hellene Bradley, and Janice Roselle Dowdy; and a younger brother, Daniel Scott.
After cremation, his remains will be placed in Arlington National Cemetery.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, May 27, 2005
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor