Blair D. Ettinger aka "The Dude"'s Obituary
The Dude Abides in Eternity
On Friday, June 10th, 2022, Blair D. Ettinger aka “the Dude”, loving husband and father of four children, passed away at the age of 54 surrounded by his loving family.
Blair was born on May 14, 1968, in Miami, FL to Charles and Anita (Lex) Ettinger. He joined the US Marines upon graduating high school and later Blair received his BA and MS degrees from Nova Southeastern University. He was a criminology professor and later joined the Gainesville Police Department, upon his retirement, he worked for the Florida Farm Bureau.
Growing up in Miami Blair had a passion for all water-related activities. He was an avid windsurfer, sailor, and fisherman. Blair also loved to spend time in the mountains where he enjoyed hiking and camping. His love for the outdoors was influenced by his involvement with the boy scouts. Blair was awarded the Eagle Scout badge and lived by their motto.
In 1995, after years of friendship, he married Maritza (Ritzy) Luque Ettinger and they raised four sons, Luke, Lev, Liam, and Lex. Blair’s biggest accomplishments are being an incredible husband, an amazing father, and a devoted friend. He was present for his family and was intentional about living life to the fullest. He was generous with his time and never hesitated to help someone in need.
Blair was humble, kind, compassionate, and had an infectious smile. He loved music and had an eclectic collection, but good ole rock and roll were his favorite. Blair had the most incredible sense of humor and was known to play practical jokes on everyone, especially his wife Ritzy. He never took life too seriously and taught his children the value of love and laughter.
Blair was preceded in death by his father, Charles, his mother Anita, his brother Steve, and his sister Gigi. He is survived by his wife Ritzy, and his four children, Luke, Lev, Liam, and Lex. His sisters Lisa, Chris, brother Wayne, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by the in-laws and friends who became family that he loved deeply.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 10:00 A.M., in the Grace at Fort Clarke United Methodist Church, 9325 W. Newberry Road, Gainesville, with Rev. Rick Thompson, officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Central. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Ettinger Family Scholarship; c/o Newberry High School Academy of Criminal Justice, 400 SW 258th Street, Newberry, FL 32669.
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