Ralph Blair “Birdman” Birkett passed away with his family by his side on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. He was 66. He fought a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, which arrived like a sucker punch and moved with devastating speed. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Sunset Grille at Chestnut Mountain Resort, Galena, IL, from Noon until 6 PM. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family.
He relished life and adventure. Anyone who knew him knew how much he loved skiing. With grace and speed, he danced and floated across the snow. He loved the line, “faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death,” and he lived it.
His work ethic was unmatched. He retired from BNSF Railway after 41 years of service, raising four rambunctious children as a single father along the way.
In his later years, he turned his focus to golf, often dragging his novice children to the course whenever he could. His son admits that Coach Blair did, in fact, help fix his terrible slice (mostly).
Coaching was one of his greatest gifts. From youth ski teams to Little League fields, he showed up for young athletes with patience, respect, and a genuine belief in them. He was deeply loved as a coach, and his impact extended far beyond the ski hill.
He loved good food, travel, and his dog, Tuck. His children spread out across the country, and he took immense pride in each of them. Together, they shared holidays and adventures from Oregon to Texas to New York, each one a new chapter in the family story.
One of Blair’s quiet passions was looking up at the night sky. He would name stars and constellations and call out the schedule of the heavens, always knowing when meteor showers, the return of Venus, and the northern lights would arrive.
He burned bright. He was a rock.
He is survived by his children, Alex, Derek, Sid, and Reilly; his sisters, Georgia Conti and Teri Bautsch; his brother, Scott (Connie); a niece, Laura (Scott) Edmonds; and many extended family members and friends who love him deeply.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Althea, and his brother, Craig.
Fly high, Birdman.
Thoughts and prayers to the Birkett family. Blair was one of a kind and really good person. We hope you can take comfort in many wonderful family memories and his zest for life.
Blair and I went to School here in Galena. He always had an upbeat, smiling, disposition. Someone who was more than happy to help Others.
A person can hear the love, appreciation & direction your DaD enthusiasticly provided for each of you
☆☆☆☆
I can magine your father saying,
‘what a great life we have known,
now go forward, be fulfilled & happy’ 👍
What a truly beautiful tribute to your father💖
Condolences to the Alex, Derek, Sid and Reilly. Blair was a great father and friend to all who knew him. May perpetual light shine upon him.
What a beautiful tribute to Blair! I’m so thankful I was lucky enough to meet him and call him my friend! He was a true gentleman who I always looked forward to seeing and talking with! I will truly miss him!
Worked with Blair for 40 years on the railroad. If you had a project lined up on the tracks you wanted Blair there. Very knowledgeable. Had the pleasure to golf with Blair and he was a great iron player. A true friend. Condolences to Blair’s family. RIP
Georgia and Teri, I am sorry for your loss. May the peace of the Lord comfort you.
Thanks, your note touched me.
Very sorry for everyone’s loss. Had the good fortune of first racing against Blair then coaching in the same HS League as him, tough competitor in both venues. Blair had a great way of bringing intensity to the program with out courting racer burnout, an excellent example for other coaches to follow. Really enjoyed the conversations about skiing and golf with him.
He was the best father and the most bad ass skier I knew. He will be deeply missed. Thanks Blair for everything. You truly inspired a lot of people outside your family. Ill always remember it. ❤️
Heartfelt condolences to the family. Blair was a good dude he had swagger!