Founder of Blazer Electric Passes Away
Frederick H. Blazer Jr., the founder of Blazer Electric Supply, passed away peacefully at home in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 29 with his family at his side.
He was born on Sept. 12, 1928 in Galesburg, Illinois. He enrolled at Purdue University at the age of 16 and graduated with an electrical engineering degree. His first employment after college graduation was with Honeywell Inc. in Minneapolis. While with Honeywell, he traveled to Fort Knox, Kentucky to do orientation on tank ammunition systems when he met a cute receptionist named Suzanne Brown who became his wife of 65 years before preceding Fred in death in 2019.
Fred later joined his father in purchasing a small wholesale plumbing distributor, The Judd Co., in Austin, Minnesota in 1954. Fred added electrical material to the company’s offering and grew it to four locations before selling the business in 1982. It was in Austin that Fred and Suzanne raised their four children, Michael Douglas, Julia Lynn, Frederick Steven and Gregory Huson.
Fred, Steve and Mike relocated to Colorado in 1984 and started Blazer Electric Supply, and Fred retired in 1995. Fred and Suzanne moved to Cincinnati in 2012, where his daughter Julie helped them tremendously in their final years.
Fred will be remembered as a brilliant and generous man. He had a mind for engineering, mechanics, business and common sense. His success in business can be attributed to his understanding of business metrics, customer service and generosity to his employees. Although having a quiet and reserved personality, he was respected by all who knew him for his knowledge and ethical treatment of others. After retirement Fred spent many years as a volunteer for Service Corp of Retired Executives in Colorado Springs, advising young entrepreneurs with starting and financing small businesses.
Fred’s passions were flying, fishing, finance and family! He made more than 50 fishing trips to Canada, mostly with his sons, friends and business associates, and mostly in his Mooney or Piper Twin Comanche airplane. He loved to travel, and did so extensively with Suzanne all over the world. Fred was also an expert bridge, hearts and gin rummy card player, and always looked forward to his bridge games at the Kenwood Senior Living Community. But most of all, Fred loved his family. His support and encouragement were unwavering. He stressed the importance of a good education and led by example when it came to teaching hard work.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Mary Blazer, and wife Suzanne. Survivors include his sister Janet; children—Michael (Rae Ann), Julia (Barry), F. Steven(Carolyn) and Gregory(Galen); six grandchildren—Trevor Blazer (Alea), Casey Rowley(Josh), Courtney Blazer, Hannah Elkus, Madeline Berman (Noah) and Grace Bianconi (Patrick) and eight great grandchildren.
Memorial contributions can be made in his honor at Pikes Peak Humane Society in Colorado Springs (hsppr.org) or Save the Animals Foundation in Cincinnati (staf.org).
Former NAED Chair Jim Morlan Passes Away
Jim Morlan, co-owner and chairman of Electric Supply Inc., passed away on May 6.
Jim was a fixture in the electrical distribution industry, serving on committees and boards for both NAED and IMARK for many years. Under Jim’s leadership, Electric Supply was an early contributor to NAED’s Channel Advantage Partnership, which helps drive research aimed to improve the entire industry.
One of the highlights of his career was serving as chair of NAED in 2001-2002, where he helped guide the organization through the difficult days following 9/11.
Jim was born and raised in southern California, where he met Pat Meek. They were married in 1961 and had two children, Theresa and Bill. Pat was still by his side when he passed away more than 62 years later.
In his early career, Jim went to work for Dun & Bradstreet, which transferred him to New York. While working full time and raising a family, Jim earned a Business Management degree from Rutgers University.
Jim and his family settled in Arizona in 1985 when he had the opportunity to buy Electric Supply Inc.
In addition to his work in the electrical industry, Jim was heavily involved in his community. He helped develop downtown Phoenix with organizations such as Phoenix Community Alliance and the Capitol Mall Association. He was a long-time board member of Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS), where he worked for solutions to help people experiencing homelessness.
Jim was also deeply committed to his faith. He was instrumental in the growth of Redemption Church Arcadia, serving as an elder.
In addition to Pat, Theresa and Bill, Jim is survived by son-in-law James Pehoushek; his daughter-in-law Kelly Morlan; his grandchildren Scott Pehoushek, Addie Morlan and Oliver Morlan and his King Charles Spaniel Sammy.
The family is requesting donations be made to CASS at cassaz.org or Titus House at titushouse.com.