Leo Blair, father of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, dies at 89

LONDON – Leo Blair, father of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, has died at the age of 89.

The ex-premier's office says the elder Blair died peacefully on Friday with his son at his side.

Leo Blair was born to traveling entertainers, adopted by a Glasgow shipworker and raised in a working-class home.

After serving in World War II, he studied law in his spare time, becoming a barrister and law lecturer.

He hoped to become a member of Parliament, but gave up the idea after suffering a stroke at the age of 40.

Tony Blair says his father "worked his way up from nothing, with great ambitions dashed by serious illness on the very brink of their fulfillment."

He adds: "I was privileged to have him as a dad."