Alvin Andrew Blank

Alvin Andrew Blank, "Andy", of Longmont, Colorado, died Dec. 13, 2016, at Longmont United Hospital.

He was born in Placerville, California, to Francis Harrison and Josephine (Miller) Blank. Following his high school graduation from Placerville High School, he went on to graduate with a bachelor's degree from the University of Montana, Missoula. That education led him into administration at Montana State University, the University of Northern Colorado, and finally the University of Houston, retiring in 2012.

Andy served in the United States Navy and was a POW in the Korean War.

Andy loved the outdoors, nature and wildlife and was an avid bird watcher. He was a fly fisherman who tied his own flies. Andy loved movies, wrote short stories and poetry and tended to his bonsai. He was a voracious reader, particularly of philosophy, and held hundreds of books in his personal library. He loved art, theater and music, particularly the protest songs of the 60's. He will be remembered as a practical joker. As a leader Andy wanted others to be successful, and he worked hard to help people build their self-confidence and self-worth.

Andy was an amazingly successful person despite the hardships that he had to endure, and found happiness and positivity throughout his life.

Andy was the co-founder, along with Frank Newman, of the Big Sky Wind Drinkers running club in Bozeman, Montana. He was a marathon runner who had a run held in his honor.

In 1966 Andy married Karen Tomsik. They later divorced. He happily shared the past 30 years of his life with his life partner and wife, Merna Jacobsen.

Survivors include his wife, Merna Jacobsen; his son, Jason Charles Blank, and his wife, Lisa Marie; his daughter, Kristine Marie Andersen, and her husband, Rene; and his sister, Donna Pryor, and her husband, Robert; along with several nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his grandchildren Colter Blank, Adison Blank, Nathan Scott Waldon, Meghan Marie Thompson and Kari Ann Anderson and one great-grandchild Nissi Thompson.

Preceding Andy in death were his parents, his first wife and his sister, Connie Rogers.

Andy was easily recognized because he always wore bright shirts and ties. The family requests that you honor his memory by wearing bright colors to his service.

A Celebration of Andy's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017 at the Howe Mortuary Chapel, 439 Coffman St., Longmont, CO. A reception will follow the services.

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