Robert Alexander Blackburn

Robert Alexander Blackburn

Robert Alexander Blackburn, 84, died April 17, 2011.
He was born January 24, 1927 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to Richard and Mary (Leighton) Blackburn.
In 1946 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy and served as a Chief Petty Officer.
He married Dennis (Lightfoot) in 1949.
He worked as a machinist for the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Railroads. In 1965, Robert emigrated with his family from Vancouver, B.C. to California, becoming a citizen and later settling in Port Angeles, WA to raise his four children.
Robert was an energetic, driven man who had numerous interests and hobbies. He was an entrepreneur with a tireless work ethic who enjoyed investing in real estate. In his earlier years he was a licensed pilot who enjoyed flying his Cessna airplane on the weekends. A zealous reader he had many anecdotes to tell his friends and family, often with hilarious commentary. He was an avid sports and commercial fisherman. So, after his retirement in 1983, he and his wife moved to the Hood Canal area to pursue his joy of the ocean and outdoors. Traveling in his motor home with his wife and friends was one of his favorite pastimes. As a father and grandfather, he was immensely proud of and devoted to his family.
He was a dedicated member of the Bremerton Valley Scottish Rite, Canal Court #79 Order of the Amaranth and a 36 year Free Mason. He was raised as a Master Mason in Port Angeles, Lodge #69 in 1974. In 2000 he was elected and served as Worshipful Master (president) of Union City Masonic Lodge 27 near Shelton, WA. That same year he also affiliated with Mt. Moriah Lodge 11. His brother Masons commented, "Scores of fellow Masons strove to follow his example, he lived respected and dies regretted." He was proud to be associated with the family of Masonic organization.
In 2006 he relocated to the Everett area. Robert will always be remembered for his positive outlook on life and his endearing humor.
Even when his medical problems became difficult for him, he never wavered from his humorous take on life.
He cared deeply for his supportive family and attentive, devoted caregiver, Gloria, at Lake Serene Adult Family Home.
He is survived by his three sons, Richard, of Olympia, WA, Robert W. (Connie), of Keizer, OR and David (Cheryl), of Port Angeles; daughter, Beverly Blackburn Lueth (Brian), of Everett; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Dennis, in 2004; and his eldest son, Randy, in 1965.
A memorial service honoring his life is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on May 22, 2011 at the Union City Masonic Lodge 27 in Shelton.