David Blackman

I was blessed for the past few years to have reconnected with David. In the late 1990's I was the director of Development at St. Mikes HS. I also had the privilege of teaching Joel and watching both Joel and Jeff in their athletic endeavors. And Portia was always a presence at St. Mikes, supporting whenever and wherever. Out of the blue David contacted me with questions about my time at San Miguel. That first meeting over coffee at Starbucks led to regular get-togethers to talk San Miguel,...

The older I get and the more people I meet, the more fortunate I feel to have had Dave as a father. The one thing I regret is never referring to him as "dad"; I always just called him Dave. I don´t know why this bothers me so much, but he didn´t seem to mind. I wasn´t always the best kid, but I never had to wonder whether he knew the difference between loving his son and loving his decisions. Sometimes I think he wondered if I actually listened to the advice he gave me. As I told him...

Since Portia told me of Dave's passing, I have been numb and melancholy much of the time. Dave was one of my oldest, best friends. We fell together in 1969 while both of us attended Ottawa University. We went to see Led Zeppelin in KC that fall. That concert and my friendship with Dave changed my life. I frequently blamed Dave for my downfall and always then thanked him. We visited with our families frequently when our kids were young. And in the last # of years more often than not, once a...

Dave was my beloved brother-in-law. I met him when I was 16, and he was always like an older brother to me. I have countless happy memories of spending time with Portia and Dave and their sons, Joel and Jeff, first in the midwest and then in Santa Fe. Dave was so easy to be with: always friendly and supportive, and ready for a good conversation. I am proud of how he handled himself throughout his journey with cancer. I miss him dearly!

Good Afternoon, Portia and Family, Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your husband/father/friend/and everything else. Although I did not meet David, I remember you, Portia, and your beautiful smile. I am thinking of you and will light a candle on David's behalf. Stay strong and keep your memories close to your heart. Hugs, Carmen M. Rodriguez

Dave was a great friend growing up in our Knoxville Iowa days. I attended Ottawa University with him during his senior year. He was always a very likable person and would take care of anyone´s needs if he could help. He will be missed by many. My condolences to his family. May God grant your peace and comfort during his difficult time.

I met Dave through Dave Holland and shared several memorable lunches with him in Port Townsend, Washington. Dave was a remarkable man. Always funny, always upbeat, always knowledgeable. His passing is a loss to all of us who knew him but I am thankful nevertheless for the opportunity to have known him.

Thinking of you Portia and the boys.