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 and Teri, and his brother, Scott (Connie); 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.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com