via CNS:
Retired Bishop Stephen Blaire of Stockton died June 18 after a prolonged illness. He died at his retirement residence at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Modesto. He was 77.
The much beloved bishop was recalled by many both in California and across the country as a churchman who lived by a simple code: “We are here to serve, and to do it with a touch of class.”…
In 2009, he was elected to a term as chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice, Peace and Human Development.
In 2009, Blaire one of the first bishops to sign the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation, sponsored by the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change. The pledge offers a series of steps that people can follow to reduce their impact on the environment.
RIP Stockton Bishop Emeritus Stephen Blaire. He passed this morning hours before release of a state bishops’ letter on care for our common California home, an effort he initiated. May he rest now in peace. Follow @StocktonDiocese for info on services. pic.twitter.com/ReEKID03V8
— Archdiocese of SF (@ArchdioceseSF) June 18, 2019
I offer my prayers and my gratitude to God for the life of Bishop Stephen Blaire, who was called to his eternal rest this morning. We served together for many years as brother bishops of California. He was a model of holiness and pastoral leadership.
— Bishop Gerald Barnes (@BishopBarnes) June 18, 2019
It’s so sad to hear this. Stephen Blaire was a genuinely humble, thoughtful man who loved the poor, sought to apply the Gospel and was not fully appreciated in his time. He was a real light in @usccb. https://t.co/QMNuUyeSXq
— Don Clemmer (@clemmer_don) June 18, 2019
I just saw that Bishop Stephen Blaire of Stockton diocese has died. He was such an inspiration for me. A wonderful, caring, saintly soul…
— Stephen Schneck (@StephenSchneck) June 18, 2019
Bishop Blaire was a pastor, a voice for justice, and a kind man. Grateful for his quiet but persistent witness. https://t.co/fv0l5XXroo
— John Gehring (@gehringdc) June 18, 2019
He was a wonderful friend and outstanding teacher, who always seemed happiest when talking about a book he had just read. He was dealt a challenging hand here; he left us better than he found us. John Carr called him the model Francis bishop. May perpetual light shine upon him. https://t.co/xuNtwWAlHo
— Brian E. Klunk (@bklunk) June 18, 2019
I sat next to him at the @GUcstpubliclife summit on overcoming poverty when @BarackObama spoke. He was relaxed and down-to-earth, while offering real moral clarity that was rooted in a strong commitment to the poor and vulnerable. https://t.co/rjp0squgnj
— (((Robert Christian))) (@RGC3) June 18, 2019
Yes: such a good man. He came to Santa Clara for a number of events and was always keyed in to issues of justice, labor, race, the poor, the environment. In what seemed to me as his quiet, clear way, he commanded respect. Deo gratias!
— David DeCosse (@DavidDeCosse) June 18, 2019
Millennial 