Robin Blair Springer

Robin Blair Springer passed away November 2, 2022, in Sacramento, surrounded by family. He was 74.

Born and raised in Woodland, Ca., Blair was a loving and devoted husband, stepfather, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a positive force who brought light into every life he touched.

The secret to Blair’s charm was both simple and remarkable: he gave whoever he was with his full attention and respect. He was a good listener and a great conversationalist, making everyone with whom he was engaged feel like they were special to him, because they were.

Blair was an eternal but realistic optimist, fighting illness courageously and without complaint, then embracing his coming passing with grace and dignity. In his final hours, Blair made a to-do list of tasks for his wife Debbie to take care of as soon as he was gone and penned several letters to those close to him.

Blair was born Oct. 20, 1948, the youngest of three sons of longtime Yolo County residents Alphe and Lois Springer.

He often referred lovingly to two figures who were a significant part of his early childhood -- Momo and Popo -- an older couple from Kentucky who served as his babysitters and later helped raise him until age 6 when they moved back to Kentucky. He missed them dearly.

Blair graduated from Woodland High School and attended Sacramento State, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and later earned a Master’s in Public Administration.

During high school Blair was active in sports and a founding member of the E.T.’s (Elapsed Time) Car Club, whose intent was to build and operate a drag racing car. However, they mostly just drank beer.

After college, Blair worked for the California Legislature from 1972 to 1984 and then was appointed by Gov. George Deukmejian to the Office of Emergency Services as an Assistant Director of Response and Recovery.

In 1987 he returned to the Legislature as Chief Consultant for the Assembly Select Committee on Fire Services.

In 1990 Blair started his own public policy consulting firm, where he was chief strategist for the Association of Contract Counties. He later joined forces with his longtime friend and colleague, Jerry Haleva, working as a lobbyist at Jerry’s firm, Sergeant Major Associates.

Blair met the love of his life, Debbie, and married in 1997, becoming a loving stepfather to Brian and Katey, whom he adored greatly. He was also the loving grandfather to four wonderful grandchildren, Emma, Allie, Jordan and Indy.

He enjoyed hiking, golf, and traveling, especially on cruises with Debbie and often times, Debbie’s parents.

Blair became an integral part of the extended Roemer family, enjoying many good times with his father-in-law Oscar, mother-in-law MaryAnn, brother-in-law Danny and sisters-in-law Karen and Wendy and their spouses. He spent countless hours with his Roemer clan nephews and nieces Daniel, Matthew, Krystal, Kevin, Sarah and Christopher, delighting in their achievements in school, sports and the arts.

Blair also enjoyed organizing regular camping and fishing trips to his favorite spots with his brothers and Springer family nieces, nephews and grandnephews. He was a beloved and favorite uncle to nieces Glenda and Beja and nephews Zack, Liam, Nathan and Locke, who will miss his sense of humor and good counsel.

Blair was preceded in death by his parents, Alphe and Lois Springer, his stepsister, Thama, his niece Vina and great nephew Anthony. He is survived by his wife Debbie, brothers Lon and Fred, stepchildren Brian (Tanya) and Katey (Mario), and grandchildren Emma, Allie, Jordan, and Indy.

All who had the honor of Blair’s friendship are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life on Sunday, November 27 from 11 am to 2 pm at Valley Hi Country Club in Elk Grove.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Blair's honor to the Sacramento SPCA or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society