BLAIR, Nick
Hillside Boularderie
Nicholas John Ross Blair, 16, of Hillside Boularderie, N.S., a wonderful brother, loving son, grandson and respected athlete, died suddenly on July 27, 2015.
Born on Nov. 17, 1998, he was the son of Kristen (Keeping) Murphy and Christian Murphy, Hillside, Boularderie, and John Blair of River John, N.S.
An honours student entering Grade 11 at Memorial High in Sydney Mines, Nick was an involved and talented basketball player. His love of the game was fostered by many dedicated coaches throughout his school years, playing for Boularderie Elementary, Dr. T.L. Sullivan Jr. High and Memorial Marauders, as well as for Basketball Cape Breton and the Northside Rep Team. Proving to be an all-around athlete, in his first year of track and field (2015), he was scouted by Team Nova Scotia. Besides his parents, Nick is survived by sisters, Taylor Blair (Andrew Lund), Malagash, N.S.; Riagan and Jordan Murphy, Hillside Boularderie; brother, Andrew (Kelly) Blair, Old Barns, N.S.; grandparents, Abbey and Jeannie Keeping, Hillside Boularderie, and Dora and Bill Murphy, Millville. Nick is also survived by aunts, Cindy (Dale) Pratt, Truro, Jean (Robert) Lynds; uncles, Greg (Cheryl) Blair and Scott (Nikki) Keeping, Campbell River, B.C. Nick will also be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, schoolmates, friends, teammates, special family friends, Martyn and Karen Lund, Malagash, N.S.; and his girlfriend, Marianna Secka, Coxheath.
He was predeceased by grandparents, Betty and Ross Blair, North River, N.S.
Nick had very close relationships with his family, both at work and at play: wood splitting, snow shovelling, or just hanging out with his grandparents next door, being a fun and loving big brother to his dear Riagan and Jordan; enjoying an amazing friendship with his best pal and sister, Taylor and her boyfriend Andrew Lund; enjoying the deep love and caring of brother Andrew and Kelly, especially when they treated Nick and Taylor to an NBA game between Toronto and Nick’s idols, Miami Heat. Nick enjoyed all the comings and goings and great conversations driving to all the practices, games and tournaments with his dedicated stepdad, Christian.
Nick always looked forward to spending the summers and holidays with his dad, John, in Colchester County, going to horse shows and working on projects together.
Words do not come easily when trying to describe the loving connection between Kristen and her darling son: closest confidante, biggest fan, like-minded in many ways and true heroes to each other.
Nick was a dearly loved young man.
Visitation for Nick will be 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. A funeral service will take place Saturday at 2 p.m. from the funeral home chapel with Marjorie Serafinus officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney.
Memorial donations may be made to a local food bank or a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.