Obituaries

Blair Julius Pemble, Jr., lovingly known to us all as “Uzz”, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at his home in St. Ignace, Michigan, on September 12, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on October 7, 1948, Uzz was the son of Blair Pemble, Sr. and Rita (nee Furlott) Pemble. A lifelong resident of St. Ignace, he built his life filled with family, friendships, hard work, and a love of golf and sports. Uzz was known for his sense of humor, kindness, strong work ethic, and he was a naturally gifted golfer who was humble about his game.

Uzz had a way of making people feel welcome and was someone his family and friends could count on. He cherished the time he spent with the people he loved and took great pride in his family. Uzz was a man with a generous heart and always had a witty one-liner that would leave you with a smile.

We all loved our time on the golf course with him. In fact, some of his last days were spent doing what he loved most, playing golf. The course was a place that could easily be called his second home. Over the years, if you asked, he would humbly share that he had five holes-in-one! Golf was truly his passion. It was a place where he found community, shenanigans, and created endless memories with his friends and family.

Off the course, you would find Uzz reading the newspaper, watching the Detroit Lions, PGA tournaments, or just about any sporting event. He had an incredible memory and a way with numbers, remembering dates, scores, stats, and timelines that most of us would have long forgotten. Ask him about the past and chances were good he would tell you exactly what happened.

Growing up, Uzz attended Ursuline Academy through the 8th grade and graduated from LaSalle High School in 1966. He loved being on the basketball court and was the neighborhood kid shooting hoops well into the darkness. He attended Muskegon Business School and worked briefly for the family business, Pemble Bros. Wholesale, before being drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served during the Vietnam era, stationed in Germany from April 1969 to January 1971.

When he returned from military service, Uzz continued his career with the family business where he was sharp, driven, and skilled in his work. He later worked for Kewadin Casino in St. Ignace. Uzz truly enjoyed visiting with and taking care of customers. His kids also knew there were some perks to working alongside Dad as he could be counted on to slip them their favorite candy bar.

Uzz was a lifelong member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and a longtime member of the St. Ignace Golf & Country Club.

His greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. He is survived and forever remembered by his son, Jesse Pemble of St. Ignace; his daughters, Anna (Max) Bauer of Denver, Colorado, and Ellie (Tim) Karre of Arvada, Colorado; and his grandchildren, Alexia Pemble, Eliam Hyslop, Blaire Karre, and TK Karre. Uzz was also awaiting the arrival of his first great-grandchild due in November. He is also survived by his sisters, Sue Hakola of St. Ignace, Jeanne St. Onge of Denver, Glenda Pemble of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Barbara Pemble of Denver. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as his special aunts, Bernice Bickham of St. Ignace and Connie Mayer of Rudyard, Michigan.
Uzz was preceded in death by his parents, Blair and Rita Pemble; his brothers, David Pemble and Bruce Pemble; his sister, Bonnie Ryerse; and his brother-in-law, Donnie Hakola.

His unconditional love, laughter, and steady presence will be deeply missed and forever carried in our hearts.

A Memorial Gathering in his honor will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 120 Church St., St. Ignace, Michigan 49781. The Memorial Mass will begin at 12:00 Noon. A luncheon will follow in the church parish hall. Memorial burial will take place at 3:30 p.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you simply remember Uzz with an act of kindness, a funny story, or a round of golf with someone you love.

Family Life Funeral Homes – St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.