Bland Lane, The Board of Trustees of the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute (F.A.M.R.I.) is very sad to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved Board member, Bland Lane, in San Francisco, on Feb. 15, 2007. Bland was an extraordinary and accomplished woman, who struggled to lead an active and productive life, while suffering from COPD, that developed from working as a non-smoking flight attendant for 48 years in smoke-filled airline cabins. In recent years, Bland, along with fellow non-smoking flight attendants, Patty Young, Lani Blissard and Leisa Sudderth, was a dedicated member of FAMRI’s Board of Trustees, a court-approved, not-for-profit foundation, that supports scientific research to combat the many diseases caused from exposure to tobacco smoke. Bland, as an integral part of the Board, voted to fund research in some of the most outstanding medical schools in the world. Hopefully Bland’s efforts will help find a cure. Bland was truly a renaissance woman with tremendous insight, who traveled the world, spoke multiple languages and charmed everyone she met. In addition to being a devoted sister to Audre; and loving aunt to Karen; and her family; Bland was a true friend, loyal and compassionate. Bland, we will love you and miss you forever. You were truly one-of-a-kind. A Memorial Tribute, honoring Bland Lane, will be announced. Please leave your contact information with the online guestbook so we can notify you of the date of the Memorial Tribute, and if you had the privilege of spending time with Bland, we would love to share those memories with you.
