Robert Blais

Robert Joseph Blais 48 of Rockford passed away Sun 5/29/2016 in his home. He was born 9/30/1967 in Rockford, the son of H. Lewis”Lew” Blais & Catherine “Kitty” Blais & proud graduate of Boylan High School (1985) and SIU Carbondale (1989). Bob was a successful Journeyman Ironworker, Apprentice Instructor, Training Coordinator, & Local Officer for Ironworkers Local 498. He was a lifelong Democrat & advocate for working people, fighting for workplace safety, living wages, health care & dignified retirement. Bob loved spending time with his son; working on the Blais/Clausen family tree; cooking & sharing the recipes of both his Quebecois heritage & his mother; & seeking out the finest Southeast Asian; French or Japanese cuisine. He loved to make people laugh with his quick dry sarcastic humor & ability to look at the absurdities of life from a unique point of view. Bob was a devout Catholic & member of both the LLL & Ellida Clubs.

He is survived by his greatest joy, his son Nicholas; his dearest friend, JaMecca Russell & her son Henry; brother Stephen Blais; sisters Mary (Jerry) Peterson & Teresa (Gary) Street; & several nieces and nephew& aunts and uncles; & his beloved Sid who never left his side & filled his life with companionship & joy. Bob had an exceptionally close relationship with his Uncle Monsignor William Clausen who served as his inspiration & spiritual guide through his courageous battles against alcoholism & cancer. Predeceased by his parents, brother Michael T. Blais, nephew David Street and a great nephew Nolan Blais.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Northwest Illinois Blais Family Scholarship Fund Please make checks payable to the community foundation of Northern Illinois with Blais Scholarship Fund on the memo line. 949 N. 2nd Street Rockford IL 61107. Donations are appreciated
Visitation from 4pm until 8pm Fri, 6/3/16 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Funeral Mass at 10am Sat 6/4 at St James Church Rockford. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com