4/12/2026
John Robert Bair from Leola, passed to his eternal life on April 12, 2026. John was born April 7, 1933 to George and Grace Bair in East Earl. He was preceded in passing by his wife of 70 years, Doris Bair. Family was a bedrock for John. He loved to take care of his family and the pride he saw in all members of his family was evident in his smile. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and he is survived by four children; John Bair, husband of Gayle; Gregg Bair, husband of Teresa; Cindy Snader wife of Jack; Kris Shertzer, wife of Lee. 10 grandchildren; Ellie, Evan, Ryan, Hayley, Nolan, Bradley, Cassie, Aubree, Nathan, and Heather. 12 great grandchildren; Sylvia, Brayden, Bowen, Sampson, Pembrook, Milo, Raven, Norah, Nellie, Serena, Juliette, and Grant. He is survived by two brothers, Franklin and Robert. He was preceded in death by two brothers, George and William and three sisters, Grace Ann Sprecher, Peggy Musser, and Jeane Styer.
He served in the Army and the reserves in the 1950’s, and learned skills that enhanced his outlook on life. A hard worker, John had many jobs in his younger years, but found his niche in financial planning. He built a great reputation in his field. He worked for Prudential Insurance a brief time and then became an agent for New York Life, at which he just recently retired at the age of 92. He earned an industry designation from American College in his field. He garnered many company leader awards in his 60 years, and his list of clients is long. He was a steward to all of his clients and to his community, including a long membership in Lions Club, where he once served as president, and he worked with many of the youth sports organizations in leadership positions. John was a longtime member of Highland Presbyterian Church. Active as an usher, head usher, and with the Men’s Bible Study.
When he wasn’t working with clients or at the office, you could usually find him in his garden, where he labored with a smile, and grew far more than he could ever use himself. Corn, beans, butternut squash, tomatoes, potatoes, raspberries, strawberries – and so much more came out of his well-cared for garden, not to mention the roses and other flowers that he tended. Digging potatoes and picking strawberries were yearly events. He loved to give his overabundance to anyone who needed it. Generosity was one of his strongest traits. The hundreds of ribbons won at the New Holland Farm Show are a testament to his talent in the garden.
An athlete in his younger days, he played soccer, baseball, basketball and fast-pitch softball, and he kept a life-long interest in sports. He and his wife were both huge Phillies fans, and he always enjoyed watching his grandchildren play a variety of sports. He also became an avid runner later in life, starting in his fifties. He ran in many local races, and ran in several marathons, including the Boston and the Marine Corps Marathons. His love of cars led him to become a NASCAR enthusiast, too.
Dogs were always an important part of the Bair household. John raised several breeds of terriers over the years and for a time showed them at various dog shows. He loved dogs, and all the subsequent family pets of the families have given him a delight.
Throughout the years John and Doris traveled on their own, and on trips with his work. They enjoyed seeing many parts of the world, but the beach was always special to them. John was body surfing in the waves well into his later years.
Saying goodbye to his family when leaving his home was hard for John but we can all picture John standing in the driveway watching whoever was leaving, and expecting a honk of the horn on the way out. There was always a tear in his eye watching people leave, and we all now will honk and say a final goodbye to John, Dad, PopPop Bair.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 25, 2026 at 2:00pm at Highland Presbyterian Church, 500 E. Roseville Rd., Lancaster. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Masonic Village Hospice or Pet Pantry.
