Harry A. Bair

Harry Arthur Bair was born on March 2, 1932, in Denver, Colorado, to Harry Bales and Fern Black. He passed away peacefully at home on January 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Harry grew up in Oregon, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding high school athlete playing basketball, football, tennis and running track. He earned all-star honors and a partial college football scholarship to Willamette University. His strong work ethic, curiosity, and sense of adventure shaped a life that was rich in experience and service. Harry proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army. During the Korean War, he was a paratrooper and was honorably discharged with honors for his service. After his military service, Harry moved around a lot but eventually settled in San Diego, a city he came to love deeply. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a life insurance agent with New York Life and E.F. Hutton Life. True to his adventurous spirit, Harry also worked many other jobs throughout his life, including farm work, the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, logging, iron work, the railroad, home construction and as a police officer. Later in life, he remained active by working on archaeological expeditions as logistics, cook and research photographer, as well as a tour guide, delighting visitors with stories and insights about San Diego. Harry was devoted to serving others throughout his lifetime starting with Scott Memorial Church & Christian High School, during this time he and his ex-wife generously opened their home to many teenagers and young adults to live. He volunteered his time with many organizations, including San Diego Hospice, Clancy the Cop in the Gaslamp District, animal rescues, and as a church bus driver for backpacking trips. He served on the founding board of Christian High School, was President of the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) organization, and President of the San Diego Tour Guide Association. He was the go-to person when you needed help or a job to be done. As the consummate networker he was always connecting people and introducing them to one another that turned into lifetime connections. A lifelong learner, Harry was a voracious reader who was rarely without a book in hand. He loved photography, knife collecting, gardening, journaling, and writing short stories, always documenting the world as he saw it. Harry is survived by his sister, Betty Bair; his wife, Donna Munden; his children Don Bair (Dana), Maria Bair- Kraus (Alfonso), Kevin Filer, Marci Bair (Catherine Harrison), and Becki Bair-Schwartz (Mark); and his stepchildren Charles Munden (Kacy) and Nancymarie Munden (Marco Ojeda). He is also survived by his grandchildren Rene Kibler, Amanda Kraus, Rachel Rodriguez, Karoline Martin, Kenny Schwartz, Justin Harrison, Quentin Harrison, Lauren Munden, Charlie Munden, and Mia Ojeda. Known lovingly as “Papa Bair,” Harry will be remembered for his big heart, generous spirit, and deep love for his family and community. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers feel free to make a donation to Lions, Tigers and Bears Sanctuary of San Diego.

Harry A. Bair

March 2, 1932 - January 9, 2026