Kenneth Malcolm Blair

Kenneth Malcolm Blair passed Saturday, September 20th, 2025, in his home in Taos, New Mexico, after a long and well-lived life marked by creativity, humor, and an industrious spirit.

Kenneth was born November 12th, 1929, to Margaret and Malcolm Blair of Somerville, MA. After serving in the Army, Ken had access to the GI Bill. Unable to enroll in college as he had only gone through the tenth grade and was not impressed with his job as a truck driver, Ken decided to attend beauty school. He excelled in the art of hairdressing. He participated in and won international competitions and became a consultant for L'Oréal of Paris. He styled the likes of Irene Dahl and Rose Kennedy and even traveled with the Ice Capades and various summer stock productions. When he left the Boston area for Taos, he sold his beauty school and numerous beauty salons.

Ken made a lasting mark on Taos through his dedication to hospitality and community. Though Blair initially came to the area for skiing and purchased the El Patio (now the Alley Cantina), it was Ken who became best known for transforming the Sagebrush Inn into a cornerstone of local life. Ken and his business partner, Rolf Milke, originally purchased the Sagebrush Inn, later expanding the property significantly. After buying out his partner, Ken added the Conference Center and Comfort Suites in 1996, and later acquired the Quality Inn, further broadening his reach in local hospitality. Ken was widely respected for hosting countless community events—weddings, graduations, anniversaries, and more—known for their warm atmosphere and generous buffets. Under his leadership, the Sagebrush Conference Center became a hub for international conferences and workshops for artists, writers, and medical professionals. His commitment to excellence did not go unnoticed. The National Brotherhood of Skiers honored Ken with its Outstanding Hospitality Award more than four times—a testament to his unwavering dedication to service and community engagement.

Ken enjoyed many sports including skiing, golf, scuba diving, and soaring. Ernie Blake was known to yell at Ken, “Free lessons Blair!”

Ken became a devoted patron of the arts in Taos, passionately collecting works by local artists such as Walt Gonski, Francis Donald, Ray Vinella, Robert Daughters, and, of course, R.C. Gorman. His carefully curated collection was displayed throughout his three Taos hotels and in his home, reflecting his deep appreciation for the region’s artistic spirit.

Travel was a cherished escape for Ken and his wife Louise. After long, demanding seasons at the hotels, they rewarded themselves with journeys around the world. Their travels took them through Latin America, Europe, and Turkey, with Portugal holding a special place in Ken’s heart. Malta, in particular, became a beloved destination for them both.

Ken dedicated over two decades of service to the Taos area, contributing as a member of the Airport Advisory Board, the Lodger’s Tax Advisory Board, and as a commissioner for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. Apart from the current governor, Ken was on a first-name basis with every New Mexico governor since Bruce King. In the mid-1980s, he ran for state senate and campaigned alongside Senator Pete Domenici and former Governor Dave Cargo. One of the highlights of his life was serving President Jimmy Carter and his family at a Michael Martin Murphey dinner show at the Sagebrush Inn.

Ken deeply loved Taos, his family, and the people around him. For him, serving food was more than a gesture—it was a way of serving love.

Ken is preceded in death by the mother of his five children Doris Brandon, three sons Kenny Jr, Stephen, and Richard, parents Margaret and Malcom, siblings Wallace and Robert, a grandson Richard Blair Jr, and lifelong friend Ernest Romero. He is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Louise; his daughters, Nancy Hogeland and Janis Blair; daughters-in-law Shelley and Karen Blair; grandchildren Scott (Avery) Blair, Stephanie de Jesus, Kat (Mike) Cheney, Bobby Blair, Kevin (DeeAnn) Blair, Taylor Blair, great grandchildren too numerous to mention; as well as his longtime friends Moises Martinez, Rolf Milke, and Ernie Martinez.

A special thank you to Wendy Shaw, Rosa of Deliberately Fit, Doc Smalling, Doc White, John of the Coumadin Clinic, Lorin Brandon, the wound care unit at Holy Cross, Kelly and KC Harris Dentistry, and at the end, the team at Anvoi hospice.

Thanks, Kenneth, for a great ride, Louise.