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Alan Blakeman Obituary

MONTPELIER - Alan E. Blakeman, longtime Montpelier resident, died on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at The Arbors in Shelburne, Vermont. He was born on May 12, 1934, in East Orange, New Jersey, to Robert D. and Mable Karges Blakeman. The family later moved to Ridgewood, New Jersey, where Alan attended school and graduated from Ridgewood High School. After graduating from the College of Wooster in Ohio, Alan taught at Doylestown (Ohio) High School for a year and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served with the Signal Corps in West Berlin.
Following discharge in 1959, Alan became a member of the faculty at Montpelier High School where he continued teaching until retirement in 1995. In addition to teaching economics, history and geography, Alan had many extracurricular responsibilities, including advisor to the student council and scholars' bowl and coaching assistant for the track team. After retiring, Alan worked part time at the Chittenden Trust Co. and the state welcome center.
Alan married Joanne Murray, another MHS teacher, on August 13, 1960, at Bethany Church in Montpelier. They raised three daughters and a son, and have seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. Alan was a member of Bethany Church, serving as president of the congregation and on many boards and committees over the years.
He was interested in civic affairs and was on the planning commission for several years, followed by a number of terms on the development review board. Alan was a past member of the Montpelier Jaycees and the Montpelier Kiwanis Club. He was an active volunteer for many local events, including the Mountaineers baseball team.
Alan loved his family and community. Mr. B could be seen walking around town almost daily and was known for his interesting ties and love of conversation. He treasured time with his children and grandchildren who are so thankful for his presence in their lives.
Alan is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joanne Blakeman; daughters Jennifer and her husband, Michael Barlow, Patricia and her husband, Christopher Turley, Judith and her husband, Lane McElree; and son Derek Blakeman and his wife, Heidi (Einolf). He also leaves his grandchildren, Peter Turley and his wife, Chelsea (Hall), Alyssa Turley, George Barlow, Alan Barlow, Sarah McElree, Daniel Blakeman and Charles Blakeman; and great-grandson Christopher John "CJ" Turley. He was predeceased by his parents; brother Robert K. Blakeman; and sister-in-law Cynthia McGlynn.
Visiting hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, at Guare and Sons Funeral Home, 30 School St., Montpelier, VT 05602. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11, at Bethany Church, 115 Main St. in Montpelier. Donations in Alan's memory may be made to Bethany Church.
Online condolences may be sent to www.guareandsons.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Argus on May 9, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan Blakeman

Not sure what to say?





Janet Ancel

May 16, 2016

One of the good ones -- I'll miss his ready and friendly smile.

May 15, 2016

God bless the Blakeman family on Alans passing. So many happy memories of Alan in our 35 years in Kiwanis, Also remember the wondeful Bob Jackman shows we did together.Always had a smile and NICE WORD WHENEVER i SAW HIM WALKING DOWNTOWN.MAY Alan rest in piece. Dr Bob Nist Westerly RI.

Walter Bruso

May 14, 2016

I was deeply saddened to hear of Alan's passing. He was one of my favorite teachers at MHS. It was his enthusiasm for teaching that I remember most. I still think of him as one of the best teachers I have ever seen, and as a school principal and university instructor I have seen thousands. I'm sure that he was part of what influenced me to become a teacher.

Susan Fresolo

May 14, 2016

Dear Blakeman Family,

Not only was Mr Blakeman one of my favorite teachers, he was the epitome of graciousness and a genuine and compassionate gentleman. No matter when you graduated from MHS, he would remember our names and always be interested in our life's journey. He was never in a hurry when he could spend a few minutes talking to any of his former students. He always made me feel special and from Day One, he named me "Suzz". With his method of teaching, you wanted to learn and excel. Studying geography opened my eyes to travel. I'll miss you, Mr B, but there is a large group of MHS Angels waiting for their next lesson from the master....

Michael Quaranta

May 12, 2016

Thoughts and prayers to the Blakeman family. I will always remember Mr. Blakeman as a enthusiastic educator who genuinely cared for his students in and out of the classroom. RIP Mr. B.

May 12, 2016

Joanne and Family,

I was so sorry to read of Alan's passing. You and Alan were such wonderful neighbors to my whole family and especially to my mother, Agnes Flood, in her later years. Alan was a very kind and thoughtful man. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Diane Mackay Calais, VT

Sandy Valentine

May 12, 2016

Joanne, So sorry to hear of Alan's passing. His smile when he walked into the office at
Bethany was very special.
Love to you and the family.

Chuck Parker

May 11, 2016

Mr. Alan Blakeman, you are a class act. The MHS class of 1966 will miss you, especially in our 50th year. It will not be right without you being at our reunion. God bless you and your family! Thanks for being a very important part of our lives.

Sandra Fletcher (Brear)

May 10, 2016

To All the Blakeman family so sorry for your lost. He was always the best teacher I ever had. He will be missed. Please Take Care!

May 10, 2016

JoAnne and Family- sorry to read of your loss. Always remember all of you from our Capitol City Jaycee Days.
Jane Chadderdon
Destin, FL and Colchester, VT

Bill Brown

May 10, 2016

There are good teachers and then there are the REALLY good teachers. He made the sometimes very dry subject of economics so interesting to me that I made it my major in college and used it throughout my career. A nice man, great teacher, and influential in my life.

Sandy Thurston

May 10, 2016

So sorry to read this. You are all in my thoughts.

May 9, 2016

I can't think of Mr Blakeman without smiling. As my teacher, coach, neighbor and friend, so many fond memories. Mrs. Blakeman & family my thoughts are with you.

James Paul

May 9, 2016

Sad to hear of this, He was an amazing teacher and had a lot of positive encouragement and influence on so many people.. Prays to the family..... RIP Mr. B

Lorraine Flood

May 9, 2016

To Mrs. Blakeman and family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. I remember when I was going to high school there in 1962-1966, I remember him and also you how friendly you both were and always smiling. He was such a pleasant person to be around. He always had time for people. In later years when I moved on 189 Elm Street and also to 26 Summer Street, I would meet him with his shopping bag and he would stop and talk with me. He was never in any hurry to stop talking or finding out about what was going on in my life since I graduated from high school. He was one of best, upright people that I knew in my life. I remember one time you and your daughter were at school and how much you loved that little girl. I think back and think how fortunate I was to know you people and fortunate Montpelier High School was when we had both of you teaching there. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and your family and I know that God has got his arm of love wrapped around your family and that I'm so glad that God brought you two into my life during my days at Montpelier High School and afterwards. Remember God will never forsake you. He will always be by your side.

Julie & Ron Mercier

May 9, 2016

Patty & family,

I am sorry for your loss. My heart is with you all.

Scott Robinson

May 9, 2016

What a wonderful person and great teacher. I am always reminded of Alan on May day (batman tie) and whenever I see mellow yellow. RIP Mr. Blakeman

May 9, 2016

Joanne and family. My deepest sympathies to you all. Alan was such a nice man. Thoughts and prayers to you all.

Pamela Wheeler
Wait staff
Westview Meadows

Jim & Kathy Segar

May 9, 2016

Dear Patty,Chris and Blakeman Family, We are so sorry to learn of Alan's passing.May the memories of the good times comfort you all in the days ahead. Keeping Alan and all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

Charles Ferry

May 9, 2016

Mr. Blakeman was always thoughtful and kind. I remember him when he taught at Montpelier High School and when he worked at the Chittenden Bank. His personality and character are noteworthy. RIP, Mr. Blakeman

Linda Yates

May 9, 2016

I always enjoyed Mr. Blakeman's class at MHS and saw him when I also worked at Chittenden Bank in the late 90's. A true gentleman.

Theo vonWallmenich

May 9, 2016

To The Blakeman Family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Mr. Blakeman was a very special teacher.

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