John Barry BLESSENT

I had Mr. Blessent for leathercraft class in high school. I loved it so much I became his T.A. I still have things we made in those classes nearly 30 years ago! I too loved telling people that I took leather craft in high school over the years. Such a great teacher and also a neighbor to our family. He was there down at the creek when I grew up and then down there again as I raised my own kids in the same swimming hole that we shared with him. You will be missed!

John Blessent was an exceptional educator, gifted craftsman and a friendly, valued colleague. His support for students and teachers involved in the technical and creative arts was inspirational.

Thank you for being our Leathercraft Teacher! One great class I have often told people about over the years! You made a difference in many lives. RIP. Love to your family.

My deepest condolences to you, Bobbi and family. I remember John fondly from our days at Mead High School. Such a talent! Such a witty and fun colleague with an unmistakable and generous laugh! Rest in peace, dear friend.

John was my teacher and then my friend. Bobbi and Michelle the world was a better place because of him. He had the best laugh and was such a kind and thoughtful man. I´m so glad I have a few pieces of jewelry that he made. His talent was so remarkable. I learned so much from him. He is missed

We kept some pretty cool cat condos looking pretty good. I can still picture you in nothing but your skevees on riding on the good ol John Deere Mower! And our talks down at the creek and on the front porch, is what I´ll remember most I think.....I know I´ll always still talk to you, I´ll know your listening!!

John was a fellow classmate and friend. We shared many of the same interests over the years. He was so unbelievably talented.

I worked in the maintenance department of the Mead School District as the carpenter. I had the opportunity to do several projects for John in his art and jewelry classes. John was always super nice and very appreciative of everything that was done for him. He was always one of the staff at MHS that I looked forward to seeing when I was in the building. RIP John, you will be missed. My deepest condolences to Bobbi and family.

John was both a friend and mentor to me. I attended Mead High School and graduated in 1977. I knew of John and his reputation of being a great teacher from classmates of mine who did know him as a teacher. After attending college and earning a teaching degree I spent parts of two years substituting at Mead High School and John would often request me to sub for him. That was really when I came to appreciate his teaching prowess and the strong relations he developed with his students. I also...