Harvey Blair Farinholt, age 80, was always called Blair except by schoolmates who had either experienced or heard about his fearsome fast ball; they called him Ace. His life ended on Sept. 28, 2017 at home with his family after having Leukemia.

A native of Gloucester County, he was the younger son of Dorothy Trevilian Farinholt and James Brown Farinholt.

He graduated from Virginia Episcopal School where he distinguished himself as one of the most gifted and successful athletes in the history of the school. Shortly after his 18th birthday, having been followed all spring by Major League scouts, he signed with the New York Yankees with the agreement that he could begin his college career at the University of Virginia in the fall. While keeping up with both college and baseball, he enjoyed both and had some special times, such as rooming over the summer in the C League with Roy and Ray Mantle, younger twin brothers of his hero Mickey.

At the University, he was a committed member of St. Anthony Hall and Eli Banana. Upon graduation, he went to teach and coach in Richmond at the Collegiate School for Boys where he stayed for four happy years until returning to Gloucester to take over the family business, Farinholt Insurance and Real Estate.

Later, after his father’s death, he sold the insurance business and formed his own real estate firm, Mobjack Properties, specializing in appraisals, estate management and sales. People who worked with him realized he knew every inch of Gloucester County, the direction of predominating breezes, deep water, views and neighborhoods. 

For 13 years, he coached the Rotary Little League baseball team.

A natural leader, Blair made his mark in a number of ways in his county. With his remarkable talent for galvanizing others, he, with the support of Wesley C. Morck, located the land for, and saw through the founding of the Ware River Yacht Club. Additionally, he oversaw the building of the first part of the club house, all the while serving in numerous capacities in running the club. For over 20 years, he and his loyal crew for the committee boat ran the Virginia Governor’s and many important national regattas. 

As property manager for Elmington, a notable Gloucester estate, he saw the potential for a wildlife preserve. Finding its creation a true passion, he managed to establish habitats for many creatures, such as ducks, geese, and quail. He installed boxes for bluebirds, wood ducks, bats, and an island as a nesting place for Canada geese. He was pleased when migratory birds arrived and wood ducks assumed a permanent residence.

His fundraising efforts for the Boy Scouts have resulted in the creation of a popular social event in the county in early December, the Boy Scout Oyster Roast. 

One activity close to his heart has been the quarterly roadside cleanup of the Ware Neck Road. Friends and neighbors have enthusiastically joined in accomplishing this odious task because Blair had been spearheading it. His fans will indubitably continue it.

A recent passion has been the widespread restoration of the bobwhite habitats which were destroyed unwittingly by agriculture and development. Again, others have joined in to support the project.

Surviving Blair are his loving family, wife of 57 years, Tabb, née Thornton; son, Bart and his greatly beloved wife Ida and their children, Bart Jr., Blair, and Ida; daughter, Mary Blair Denious and her sons, Stewart, Sam, and Jack. His older brother, Jim Farinholt, also survives him. 

A constant presence as a father and grandfather, he was adored by his children and grandchildren. Having passed on his athletic genes to all of them, he relished the opportunity to watch them in action, taking in every game he could, and when they were far away in college, streaming them on his laptop. His day was organized around the contest.

He also loved teaching them about boating and other activities on the Ware River. An avid duck hunter, he shared that passion with all of them.

We, his family, are so grateful for the generosity of friends. We want to thank all of the people in the medical profession who so competently and compassionately treated Blair, especially the ever-present, good-natured nurses at the Dalton Oncology Clinic at VCU/MCV. They laughed at his jokes and listened when he bragged unabashedly about his grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating Blair’s life was held at Ware Episcopal Church on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Boy Scout Troop 111 or the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society.

Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory, Gloucester, was in charge of arrangements.