NEWBURYPORT — After working to keep residents in good health for more than 50 years, retiring Board of Health member Dr. Robin Blair was recognized Monday with a commendation from the City Council for his decades of service.
Blair, a 76-year-old optometrist who officially retired Wednesday, moved to Newburyport in 1974 upon the recommendation of his own optometrist.
“He told me that there was a practice available in Newburyport. I came here, and that was it, the rest was history,” Blair said.
He quickly opened his practice, running it for 50 years. He also spent a combined 30 years volunteering on the Conservation Commission and the Board of Health, as well as a stint serving as Yankee Homecoming chair.
The motion to recognize Blair was introduced by Ward 5 City Councilor Jim McCauley, who spoke in detail about his many contributions.
McCauley praised Blair for protecting the community by working to close the Crow Lane landfill and then bringing the landfill into compliance with state health codes and runoff regulations as a member of the Conservation Commission.
He also credited Blair with leading the city’s COVID-19 response efforts while serving as Board of Health chair, “thereby minimizing the impact of the virus on our community.”
Continuing to speak on Blair’s leadership of the Board of Health, McCauley thanked him for helping to navigate the city through issues such as combined sewer overflows and the public debate over fluoride additives.
Finally, McCauley said that Blair won the respect of the city administration, elected officials and his colleagues through the many hours he devoted to serving his community.
Mayor Sean Reardon echoed McCauley’s comments, calling Blair “one of the good guys.”
“Newburyport is lucky to have him. He leaves the Board of Health in good hands,” Reardon said.
The council voted unanimously to approve the commendation before joining everyone in the room in a standing ovation.
“We wish Dr. Robin S. Blair all the best with his family, especially his grandchildren, as well as many friends within the community,” McCauley said.
As he walked into the hall flanked by his family, Blair said he was ready to start enjoying his retirement.
“Excited to spend some time with my grandchildren, do some traveling and sit home and relax,” Blair said.
He spoke about what it meant to be celebrated by the city he spent so much of his life serving.
“At first I was surprised, and then I was very appreciative that I was recognized,” Blair said.
Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: mpetry@northofboston.com.