The angels have finally come, given our blessed friend his wings, and allowed him to pass into the Kingdom of God. Thomas Mitchell Blair passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Home in New Underwood, South Dakota.

Tom was a faithful friend, mentor, caregiver, pioneer, soldier, statesman, businessman, and advocate — but most of all, a beloved husband and devoted father.

He was born to Lyle Blair and Dawn (Darlington) Blair on January 8, 1945, a date he proudly shared with the King himself, Elvis Presley. He grew up as a typical South Dakota boy, learning to hunt and fish while working in his father’s service station. He played every sport available in the small town of Groton, proudly representing the Tigers.

Tom graduated from high school in 1963, studied at Presentation College earning his nursing degree, and went on to enlist in the U.S. Army. He served nearly 12 years, achieving the rank of Captain in the Army Medical Corps, with deployment overseas during the Vietnam War.

In 1965, Tom met the love of his life, Linda Hanson, and they were married the following year. Tom and Linda’s life together included many moves, including Oklahoma, Washington, Texas, Washington, D.C., Kansas, and Alaska. In 1978, they settled in Deadwood, where Tom worked as a nurse anesthetist at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Together, they raised four children: Roberta, Christopher, Matthew, and Chad.

One of Tom’s greatest accomplishments, alongside Linda, was helping transform Deadwood through the Deadwood — You Bet Committee, ushering in a new era of prosperity with the establishment of gaming in the historic Old West town.

Tom was well known for his Irish gift of gab and natural leadership, which led him into a life of public service — first as a city councilman and later as Mayor of Deadwood. He was also actively involved in Deadwood Historic Preservation, the Lead-Deadwood School Board, the Black Hills Forest Advisory Board, the Deadwood Volunteer Fire Department, the Elks Club, among others.

After leaving medicine, Tom became a successful businessman in the gaming and tourism industries. He dedicated the next 30 years of his life to civic and school organizations, youth sports programs, and building the community he called home. He also never lost his love for hunting, fishing, and, most proudly, being “Poppa.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Dawn. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his children Roberta (Bryan) Arsaga, Christopher (Kim) Blair, Matthew (Sarah) Blair, and Chad (Christine) Blair; grandchildren Kyle, Kolbey, Kayle, Shawn, Ryan, Madeleine, Alexander, Ascher, and Ainsley; and great-grandchildren Landon, Kennedy, Blayke, Chase, Everleigh and Callan. He is also survived by his sisters, Kathy Rosengren and Patsy McCullough.

Now at peace, as he ascends into heaven, Tom may pass one final time by the Burn, watch the sunset, and head to the great Deer Camp in the sky.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Tom’s name to Northern Hills youth activity organizations.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Deadwood on Friday, February 20 at 10a.m. Tom will be laid to rest at Black Hills National Cemetery following the service. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held this summer, with details to be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com