In Memory of N. Blaine Lefler III, 61

N. Blaine Lefler III, most recently of Glendale, Arizona, died in a motorcycle accident on Sunday, September 10, 2023. He was 61.

Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, Blaine and his family moved to California in 1968. Blaine grew up in Sierra Madre and attended local schools, rode his skateboard around town, and listened to classic rock. He joined the Army in 1980, spent time stationed in Germany, and was honorably discharged in 1983. 

Blaine met the love of his life, Wilma Fisher, in 1988 when they worked together in Montclair, California. He knew after the first date—a game of tennis—that she was “the one.” They married in 1990 in Elverson, Pennsylvania. They have lived in California, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Tennessee, and Arizona, and together raised two wonderful children: Elaine and Briana.

After spending time working in the restaurant business and running his own recycling business, Blaine became an IT systems engineer. At the time of his death, he was a senior specialist systems engineer at a large international bank. In his free time, Blaine loved spending time with family, exploring Route 66 on his Harley, enjoying live music, cheering for the Nashville Predators, reading sci-fi and fantasy, visiting In-N-Out Burger in remote locations, and around Christmas, telling anyone who would listen, “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!” He was also a grill-meister, happily serving meals to family and friends. 

Blaine died returning home from one of his many rides with Tour of Honor, a charity benefiting veterans and first responders. Friends and family will miss Blaine’s unique mix of playful irreverence and existential philosophy.

Blaine is survived by his wife Wilma Lefler, daughters Elaine and Briana, mother Sharon, sisters Debra and Rebecca, and a large extended family.

Blaine’s internment will take place on Monday, November 6, at 11:00 am at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. All who wish to celebrate Blaine’s life are welcome. Donations in Blaine’s memory may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation at https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate.