Eric Blair Van Oot

With great sadness, we share the passing of our beloved Blair Van Oot. Born on April 29, 1959, Blair left us on August 13, 2024, following a heart attack. Blair grew up in Wilmington, DE, he later moved to Springfield, VA, and called Bowie, MD home for the past twenty years.

Blair's journey took him from Mount Pleasant H.S. to the University of Delaware, and his career was nothing short of a backstage pass to greatness. His colleagues often described him as a creative genius when it came to all things theatrical and electronic. Starting in small theaters, Blair's path led him to Barbizon Lighting Company, and eventually to the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where he took on the role of Assistant Head of Production Operations and Electro-Mechanical Maintenance. His expertise in designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting theatrical lighting made him the unsung hero behind many memorable performances.

Blair was a straightforward man who valued honesty, simplicity, and a good laugh. His sense of humor was a delightful surprise, whether he was making friends and family laugh or offering a kind word to someone in need. He had a special place in his heart for his family and their pets.

He is survived by his oldest son, Zachary Sellers, his wife Barbara Eberstein Van Oot, and their sons Benjamin and Dustin. Also mourning his loss are his siblings Peter Van Oot (Janet Stavosky), Saskia Van Oot (Lance Nuckolls), and Renna Van Oot (Pamela Leland), as well as close friends Daniel Yannantuono, Jr., and Phil Carlucci.

Arrangements are being finalized and will be updated here. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity caring for animals, or contributing to the family to help cover expenses. Blair’s legacy of ingenuity and humor will be dearly missed.

On November 14th, 2024, we will be remembering Eric “Blair” Van Oot from 5pm to 8pm at the Kennedy Center 2700 F Street NW Washington DC 20566 in the River Pavilion. Please use Parking Level A.

It will be a nice time to hear stories ( if people wish to share them) and spend time with his friends and family.

There will be light refreshments.