Robert "Blair" Boand, Jr., Age: 75
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Sep 10, 1948---Nov 02, 2023

 Robert "Blair" Boand Jr., 75 of Leawood, Kansas and formerly of Sun Valley, Idaho, passed away Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. 

Blair was born September 10th, 1948 in Houston, TX, the son of Robert and Pattye (Wadley) Boand. He was a 1966 graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School and attended Kansas State University for two years. He then transferred to Colorado State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970.

After leaving college Blair took some time off and traveled through Europe sightseeing and taking climbing classes, most notably led by famed climber Dougal Haston. When he returned to the U.S. he moved to Vail, CO where he became a ski instructor, before venturing out into the work force.

After returning to Kansas City, Blair worked in multiple restaurants on the Plaza and Westport during the early to later-70's. After that he was offered a position in Santa Monica, CA as the General Manager of Yesterday's restaurant. Upon his return to Kansas City he went to work at Michael's Plum as the head chef. It was here that he met his future wife Suzanne May Boand in 1979. Later that year he opened and ran the Lone Star in Westport which remained a successful live entertainment bar for many years to come. In 1983, he and Suzanne moved to Seattle, WA., where he opened and ran the restaurant La Cocina del Puerco, then years later opened a sister store in Overland Park, KS.

In 1994, after 10 years in Seattle, WA, Blair, Suzanne and daughter Ashley moved to the ski resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho. It was here that he found his second childhood, engaging in multiple activities and volunteer organizations that he was passionate about. Those included:

· Sun Valley Ski Patrol

· Sun Valley Fire Department Captain & EMT

· Sun Valley Planning & Zoning Commissioner

· Sun Valley City Councilman

· Sun Valley liaison to Ketchum Area Rapid Transit/KART

· Vice Chairman of Mountain Rides

Blair had a lifelong love of the ocean and sailing. He became certified to captain his own boats and proceeded to plan trips with dozens of friends over the years. Primarily sailing in the British and U.S. Virgin Islands and the French West Indies. He also loved golfing and could be found most days the course was open teeing off with many good friends from the Fire Department and Ski Patrol.

Blair and Suzanne returned to Kansas City in 2018 after receiving the diagnosis that would take them on a long and difficult journey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Pattye Boand. Blair is survived by his wife of 40 years Suzanne, daughter Ashley (fiance Ted Daniel), his sister Victoria Boand and cousin Deanna Hensley.

The family would like to thank the staff of Grace House at Goshen Home Care as well as Ascend Hospice for the excellent care and compassion they showed Blair while in their care.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to KU Alzheimer's Disease Center.  Link to donate: https://www.kumc.edu/research/alzheimers-disease-research-center/about/make-a-gift.html

Additional photos can be viewed at https://porterfuneralhome.com/

“Life is a journey that’s not measured in miles or years, but in experiences.”

– Jimmy Buffett


Condolences

Steve Graham Nov 08, 2023

Suzanne's cousin ,Portland ,Oregon

So sad. It was always a pleasure to visit with Blair when our paths crossed with him and Suzanne. He was a great guy.

Laura Graham Nov 08, 2023

My heart goes out to the Boand family. It's been a tough road and I wish you all peace and love as your journey continues through this difficult time.

Terry Nov 08, 2023

friend ,union ,Washington

Blair, what can I say? You were one of a kind and I'll never meet anyone like you again, I'm sure! Always a fun guy and in search of the next adventure. Suzanne sure had a handful when she met you, but you had met your match. Love you both, always Terry Ann

Jack Black Nov 08, 2023

Best Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

We were best friends in kindergarten. A friendship that lasted our entire lives. I have always admired and respected all the things you experienced and accomplished in your life. A very successful bar and restaurant owner, Vail Mountain Ski Instructor, Sun Valley Ski Patrol, Captain and EMT for the SunValley Fire Department, certified boat captain, and finally city councilman on the SunValley City Council. (sure never saw that one coming). We traveled, sailed, backpacked, fly fished, and deep sea fished. I will never forget the adventures we shared. As we used to say “it was way too much fun”. It was quite a party wasn’t it Blair? Jack Black Aka Juan Negro

Marilyn Cohen Nov 09, 2023

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Not only was Blair one of the most fun loving guys that I have known but also He was extremely intelligent. He got to live a life full of adventure. My heart goes out to his family and life long friends. Marilyn Cohen

larry lofswold Nov 09, 2023

friend ,midvale ,Idaho

So sorry to learn of another brother from the SVSP is gone. The ranks are closing for sure. RIP. We will have one on the other side.

JohnnyB Nov 09, 2023

Buenos amigos ,Boise ,Idaho

"Blur" as we liked to refer, was truly one of kind, genuine to the heart, a man of resolve with a kind soul, but could be a bit cantankerous at times, especially after that last beverage he should have eluded! A real throwback to when you are what you are. He wore his heart on his sleeve and rarely backed down. I honestly believe he was a hard nosed cowboy from earlier times, but was a truly devoted husband and father who loved puppies and hated cats. He could walk into any environment without knowing a soul and come away best friends with half the room! That always amazed me and I admired his gift of honest sincere gab. There is nothing like having a close friend who can listen to your b.s. and not judge you. I will miss you dearly mi amigo.

Louis Hoffer Nov 09, 2023

Friend ,Sun Valley, Idaho ,Idaho

Hello, to the family and loved ones of Blair Boand. I just want to say that Blair Boand brought so much joy and satisfaction to myself and my co-workers of mine for many years ! I'm talking about his restaurant La Cocina del Puerco. I would look forward to my weekly lunches and many, many dinners there in the 1980's and 90's. I was single, didn't really cook and worked long hours for an emerging software company. For years if I wasn't at my office during the week I was at La Cocina del Puerco. El Puerco Lloron in Seattle at the Pike Place Hillclimb I believe had some affiliation with Blair and his restaurant in Old Bellevue on Main Street....both with their funky whimsical decor and great comfort food always brought big smiles on everyone's faces. In a way I followed Blair to Sun Valley, Idaho after my daughters went to college and became independent. Blair had already established himself in town and had a large presence involved in several great organizations. He had a large impact on many even those of us who didn't know his family. He will be greatly missed. Sincere condolences.

Jack Cloud Nov 10, 2023

Sun Valley colleague ,Albuquerque ,New Mexico

My condolences to the Boand family from just another fellow traveler who is better for having known Blair; may you find some peace or closure from that terrible thief, Alzheimer's. Whether at a boring P & Z meeting or a chance encounter at Mutt Lynch's years apart it was always good to see him.  My memories of Blair will be as a hale fellow and well met, if not a True Gentleman.  

Scott Sitler Nov 20, 2023

Condolences to the entire Boand family. I hope you can find peace and comfort with the fact that Blair is no longer suffering.