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Omar Blackman Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Omar Blackman
Sponsored by Marty Zacharias JMH1972.
Dawn Marshall
August 23, 2019
Mr. Blackman was such a wonderful mentor to all of us in the All Ohio State Fair Band. I was a member during 1993...best time of my life. He was always so kind and willing to stop to chat. I tried talking him into opening a band focused boarding school or adopting me...sadly I failed. Thank you for everything Mr. Blackman...I will never forget you.
Jay
March 11, 2017
Even after all these years, I remember you being the Best teacher/friend, you were an a amazing man! My years with you as my teacher were wonderful! May you rest in peace my friend, my teacher, my mentor! Your children should be proud! God Bless!
Dan Dickerson
August 18, 2015
Mr. Blackman's name came up listening to "Deer Tick" with my daughter. "He sounds like Mr. Blackman", as i described the tenor sax man. And I recalled Jim Tinter's description of Mr. Blackman's tone, now hearing that same lyrical quality in this young man's playing. And feeling gratitude for all Mr. Blackman was to us.
March 29, 2012
Remembering musicians I played with in 1940's and read with great interest where hi hig school experiences propelled him. Thanks for the memory. Judge John Milligan alto sax. Others include Mal Fitch and don erb.
Ken McConnell
October 19, 2011
I played in the Ohio State Fair Band in 1983 under the direction of Omar P. Blackman. He was a great director, motivator, and a very nice person. I learned much from this man in a very short time.
Bill Bierbower
October 20, 2009
Marv, marv.
My best memories of high school were the bands.
Thanks, Mr. Blackman, for making it fun, but also showing us how good we could be.
John Galbincea
December 8, 2008
Nothing but wonderful memories. Thanks, Mr. Blackman for all you've done to help me, and make me a better musician.
Ken Brady
August 23, 2007
I was fortunate enough to serve under Mr. Blackman's baton at the Ohio State Fair in 1974 and 1975. We were a rowdy bunch, but Mr. Blackman was very well liked and highly respected. He stands among the giants of the memories of my childhood.
John Eagles
April 6, 2007
I'm a better person for having studied under and learned from Omar Blackman. I was never the best player in the JMH marching and concert bands - heck, I wasn't the best player in my Sousaphone section - but Mr. Blackman gave me as much attention as he did those better musicians. My days in the marching band were probably my happiest. And when I decided to learn the bagpipes he was equally supportive, even letting me play during band practice those many years ago. He had a profound impact on my life at John Marshall and he continues to make a difference in my life 40 years later. I regret I never told him in person how much he meant to me. I apologize for my tardy, but heartfelt, condolences - I just learned of his passing yesterday via the JMH Alumni Newsletter. Thanks, Mr. Blackman, for what you did for me and so many others.
Sigrid Walden Lamm
July 26, 2006
Another GREAT director joins the "Big Band" in heaven. To the Blackman family, my deepest sympathy. I was in Collinwood Band during the mid-50's. We were so proud of our band director, Omar Blackman, and his wonderful direction of us. He'll be remembered always.
Mark Bensi
June 28, 2006
Thanks Mr Blackman for all your inspiration and letting me jam with the band. I appreciated how you picked arrangements that would be a challenge to me. I loved running into you at Manners at 3 in the morning after your gig and my gig. You are truly loved and will be missed.
Adair ('82 JMH) Edwards(McWhorter)
June 26, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rick Parschen
June 20, 2006
It was my great pleasure to have Mr. Blackman as one of my directors in the All-Ohio Boys Band in 1969. It was an even greater pleasure meeting him later on several years ago. As the current band director of the John Marshall Band, I was able to on 2 occasions bring my students to see and talk with him. I wanted to show my students the rich tradition of music at Marshall, especially the tradition of the Marshall Band. Mr. Blackman is synonimous with the Marshall Band as much as Bob Feller is with the Cleveland Indians. I may be worthy to step in his shoes, but I am not worthy to hold his baton. I can only hope to continue the rich tradition of what Mr. Blackman had started. A truly great man who will be sorely missed.
Lorna Kerr
June 20, 2006
I was saddened to learn of Mr. Blackman's recent passing - my deepest condolences to Mrs. Blackman and family. Like others who have written here, I am a former student of Mr. B's from JMH. Some of my fondest memories are of playing in his marching band and under his conductorship in the infamous "Pit". Although he held us to standards of excellence, his sense of humor brightened up the most challenging of rehearsals and performances. Mr. Blackman's dedication to thousands of young musicians truly makes him "the leader of the band".
Bob Bendall
June 15, 2006
What a wonderful Man! He touched many lives. He will be missed!
John Oblak
June 14, 2006
Omar was a great music teacher and friend. I had the opportunity to play clarinet in his band from 1953 to 1958 at Collinwood High School. He was a great inspiration to me and other students at Collinwood, and at the All Ohio Boys Band/All Ohio State Fair Band. His winning smile and love of people was truly outstanding. He had a way of motivating people so that they gave their best effort. At summer band camp one year we had to remove some stones from the marching field. He set up a competition between squads, and we got that field cleared in minutes. What a great motivator he was. Omar, Joe Haba and I drove to Wooster to play in a few summer band concerts. Joe followed him at Collinwood as director, and I followed Joe. Being the tall man that he was, Omar made quite a Kodak moment as he sat in the small Isetta car that he drove, and when he played the small, curved soprano sax that he owned. He was a truly great person and teacher. He always brought out the best in people. I will always remember him. My condolences to family and friends.
phil vaughan
June 13, 2006
The man had an electric personality! If he ever had a bad day, as we all do, you never saw it in Uncle Omar. As a youngster who only saw him a couple times a year many years ago, I can imagine the inspiration he must have been to his many students and associates. He veritably lit up the room when he came in. And, Millie, what a saint she has been, particularly these last few years. There will never be a Mr.Music like Omar Blackman again.
marty zacharias
June 13, 2006
Well Omar I quess we will have to wait tell we meet again to share some musical ideas. You really showed me how to swing and thanks for letting the stage band cut a record and not cutting my guitar cord.
You are a great person and I will always remember sitting at Burger King 143rd st in Cleveland and hearing the stage band play on the radio. My guitar part rang out..WOW.. I was so impressed to hear myself play on the radio. You made it happen Omar...you da man.
I would sometimes feel like you were with me in spirit when I would play the guitar. I can here you saying "Marty NOT SO LOUD"
I might have to cut the guitar cord..hahahha. Thanks for all the memories and God Bless you Omar.
The angels now have a real band leader...blow some sax for them.
Lois Laymon
June 12, 2006
Such a gentleman and a role model! His smile and his laugh remain in my memory even though it has been many years since I was with him. He had such a genuine interest in others and made whoever he was talking to feel so important. Thank you, Millie, for caring for him to the end.
Peggy Brennan
June 12, 2006
Dear Mrs. Blackman and family,
Your husband and dad was a great guy. He was my homeroom teacher at JMH from 71-74. I was also a Rhythmette who marched with the band under his direction and I was also in the musicals that were performed with him as the musical director. He always made you feel special. Heaven's got a great band playing up there!
God bless all of you.
Peggy Brennan Stockdale
Alice Conner
June 12, 2006
My condolences to the Blackman family. I have fond memories of my favorite JMH teacher and marching to the cadence of O-M-A-R from 1965-1968. Omar Blackman was dedicated teacher who inspired the best in all of his students.
Alice Punkal Conner, JMH '68
Tempe, Arizona
Heather Patti
June 12, 2006
My heart goes out to Mrs. Blackman and all family and friends during this time of loss.
I greatly enjoyed my four years ('93, '94, '95 and '96) in the AOSFB and my time there would not have been the same without Omar P. Blackman's presence. He was always such a joy to be around.
LaRea Buskirk - Grause
June 12, 2006
Dear Mrs. Blackman & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
I was saddened as I learned of the news this morning.
As I read the announcement on the AOSFB website, it seemed clear to me that our Lord must have been in desperate need for a new music Director.
I am so thankful that I was lucky enough to be part of the AOSFB for 3 great years (83.84.85) under Omar's direction.
Thank you for sharing him with us over the years and with all of Ohio's Finest Musicians that have performed under his direction.
John Papay
June 11, 2006
Omar came to John Marshall as our band director in late summer, 1962. He started with a great band and went on to make it even better. Anyone who was in the JMH band in the 60's and 70's knew that he was intent on making Marshall Cleveland's best band on and off the field. We will miss him dearly, but we will remember him always.
Joseph A. Lanese
June 11, 2006
Omar Blackman was a diligent and dedicated instrumental music teacher as evidenced by his remarkable success as director of bands at Collinwood, John Marshall, and St. Ignatius High Schools as well as the All Ohio State Fair Band.
Omar was highly esteemed and admired by his co-workers and left lasting influences on his students.
I have lost a dear friend and fellow musician.
May I extend my warmest condolences to "Millie" and his family.
Sue McFarland
June 10, 2006
Omar was a man who loved life and knew how to live life to its fullest! I will miss his laugh and fantastic sense of humor. He was very special to our family.
I'm sure many people will remember him fondly who were involved in The All Ohio Boys Band. He gave his musical talents in many untold ways. His faith carried him through to the end of life and left us an example of giving, loving and being all one can be.
Uncle Omar, I love you.
June 10, 2006
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Leona Zacharias-Guzowski
June 10, 2006
Omar was one of the kindest men I ever met-I was on the drill team (Class of 75 JMH) We had to practice w/the band during the summer. He was a leader, a gentlemen, and a truly polite fellow, with a great sense of humor.
A Shining example of a Great Teacher and Leader.
God Bless him and your family
Joseph A. Lanese
June 10, 2006
Omar Blackman was a diligent and dedicated instrumental music teacher as evidenced by his remarkable success as director of bands at Collinwood, John Marshall and St. Ignatius High Schools as well as the Ohio State Fair Band.
Omar was highly esteemed and admired by his co-workers and left lasting influences on his students.
I have lost a dear friend and fellow musician.
May I extend my warmest condolences to "Millie" and his family.
Joseph Lanese
June 10, 2006
Omar Blackman was a diligent and dedicated instrumental music teacher as evidenced by his remarkable success as director of bands at Collinwood, John Marshall and St. Ignatius High Schools, as well as the Ohio State Fair Band.
Omar was highly esteemed and admired by his co-workers, and left lasting influences on his students.
I have lost a dear friend and fellow musician.
May I extend my warmest condolences to "Millie" and his family.
Karen Marlowe-Campbell
June 10, 2006
To the family of Omar Blackman: I would like you all to know that I thought a great deal of Mr. B. He was an excellent teacher and my fellow students and I enjoyed having him as our band director years ago at Collinwood.
Sande Haldiman
June 10, 2006
Omar was a wonderful man, director, and leader. He certainly made my years at the Ohio State Fair fun and exciting. Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss, MIllie.
Frank M Hemrich
June 10, 2006
My condolences to the Blackman family, from an old Collinwood High School student who remembers him well. I still have visions of him driving that little Isetta to school, and once and a while, finding it turned 90 degrees in his parking spot! (1956-58 time)
Jay Meng
June 10, 2006
To the family of Mr. Blackman,
I am so sorry for your loss, Mr. Blackman was an awesome friend, Mentor, and teacher. I remember all the times I had as a student of his at John Marshall High School. In class he would always be cheery and sing this little tune that I still remember to this day.
He is a wonderful person with a huge heart and a GREAT talent. He inspired me to go on performing and continue with college. I can still remember my senior year when I went to All City for Vocal, I think I was his first Vocal Student to get a 1st Place Medal, and he was so proud! I remember being in All Ohio with him as the Band Director and I was in the choir. I got to visit with my mentor often. It was wonderful when he recommended me to work with him at St. Ignatious after graduation, to work on a musical together. He will always be remembered by me as a great mentor, now my mentor has received his wings.
May God bless each and everyone of you, and remember that you had the great opportunity to be a part of his life!
Steve Werner
June 10, 2006
To "Mrs. B" and Omar's whole family..... As you already knew, there was a much bigger extended family of his. I was lucky enough to have gone to JMH and AOBB under the direction of Omar. What a guy.....what a life....what a legacy.....and remembered always.
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