Richard Kingsley Blum died January 25, 2024, after a brief illness. He was born on February 10, 1956, to Maxine Armfield and Robert Unsworth Blum. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Rick attended Holy Name of Jesus School and was graduated from Christian Brothers School and De La Salle High School. He obtained a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Tulane University in Civil Engineering. He went on to obtain an MBA degree in Finance and Accounting from the Freeman School at Tulane University. While at Tulane, he was president of the Engineering School and an officer in the Tau Lambda chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon. Rick was a registered Professional Engineer (PE), member of the Turnaround Management Association (TMA), the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (AFCE), and the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG). Rick is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ruth Maginnis Blum, and his children Kingsley Louise Blum (Jim Parker) and Wilson Armfield Blum (Jess). He is also survived by siblings Nancy Adams (Jesse), Bob Blum (Agnes), and Liz Curren, nieces and nephews Liz Creel (Terry), Robby Blum (Liz), Adele Endom (Fred), and Barlow Curren, and cousin Howard Armfield (Gloria) of Middleburg, VA. Rick had numerous close friends he considered to be family. Rick was a life member of the Southern Yacht Club and also enjoyed the camaraderie of the Pickwick Club, Stratford Club, and Louisiana Club. He was a member of several carnival organizations. To know Rick was to be his friend. His genuine kindness touched everyone he met. He will be greatly missed by those who were his friends and by his friends' children, his children's friends, the many he mentored and supported, and those who enjoyed good music, good rum, and a little Dr. Strangelove. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christian Brothers Foundation or the Foundations for the Future–Holy Name of Jesus Parish and School Capital Campaign, or a charity of your choice. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation from 10am - 12pm and the funeral mass at 12pm at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6367 St. Charles Ave. on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

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Published by The Times-Picayune from Jan. 29 to Jan. 31, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Blum

Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.

12 Entries

Ken Hertz

December 18, 2024

We can hardly believe it's been a year since Rick's passing. He was such a brainiac, so funny, and so humble at the same time. He lifted up everybody he ever met and worked with. I learned so much from him professionally, and loved our friendship. He would be so proud of his family today. May his memory be a blessing for Ruth, the family, and his friends.

Denny Martin

February 16, 2024

What a warmhearted, charming, gracious and very funny guy who was a friend in grammar school and high school ( and Valencia). Those were some great days, especially when Ricky had an absurdly humorous aside to crack around his friends in animated conversations. Hope to bump into you again in the next zip code. In the meantime, enjoy Paradise. You would fit in easy there, I just know it, buddy. See ya soon Rick. God bless you...

George Haik

February 1, 2024

I grew up across the street from Mr. Blum. His son Wilson and I were great childhood friends. I have many wonderful memories at the Blum’s home where they always made me feel like family. I bumped into Mr. Blum last year and although I hadn’t seen him in quite a few years at that point, it was as if no time had gone by at all. He spoke to me like an old friend. Judging from the many people at his funeral and all of the kind words that were spoken about him, Mr. Blum had a similar effect on everyone. I’m very grateful that I bumped into him last year and was able to speak with him and I’m grateful that I was lucky enough to know him and his family growing up.

I will keep Mrs. Blum, Wilson, and Kingsley in my thoughts during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Mr. Blum.

Nancy Dyer Muller

February 1, 2024

Prayers and condolences from Nancy Dyer Muller.

Carlton F Dufrechou

February 1, 2024

Rick is one heck of a great soul. He is a real renaissance man. Whatever Rick focused on, he accomplished. In the 50 something years that we crossed paths, I never heard him raise his voice. He was always there to offer advice and help and leave a smile.

Molly StPaul

January 31, 2024

Ruth,Nancy and all of Rickie´s family. I am so very sorry for your loss and I know it is a great one to all of you and to Rickie´s many friends. I remember Rickie from his college years when he was part of a group of friends with my son Steven and the Acomb boys. He was always an especially kind, gentle person who was also lots of fun and a friend for life to those lucky enough to know him
You are all in my prayers
Molly StPaul

Christel Tripp

January 31, 2024

Ruth, Wilson, Jess & Kingsley,
I have worked next door to Rick for 12 years and to know him is to love him. I was able to go to him with any questions and he took the time to explain thoroughly to me. We were not only neighbors but friends as well. He spoke of his family so much, that I feel like I know you all. When he spoke of Ruth, you could see the love in his eyes. He was willing to share his extensive knowledge with anyone who asked, including my son. I will miss hearing him yelling at his computer or the copy machine and his daily search for healthy food near the office. I spoke with him on his last day here in the building and I will never forget that conversation. May God bless and comfort you all and Rest in Peace dear friend.

Keegan Chopin

January 31, 2024

Oh, Ms. Blum! George, Charlie, my parents and I are just so sad to learn of your husband´s passing. We are praying for him, for you, and your entire family during this time. You have been such a loving presence in our lives for the last 8 years. God bless you. Much love, Keegan

Andrew Pitari

January 30, 2024

Rick was an amazing friend, mentor, and overall a great person. He did not have a bad bone in his body. I had the honor of meeting Rick as he had an office in the same building as my mother, Christel Tripp. I often look back as he was always there for me and my family in hard times as well. I assisted him during the Christmas holidays each year delivering pecans to local clients of his. He will be truly missed.

GHealy

January 30, 2024

He was always a gentleman. He greeted everyone with a warm smile.

Ken Hertz

January 29, 2024

My prayers for peace, love and light to Ruth and the entire family. Rick´s passing marks the end of an era of intelligence, humor, kindness, and love of people. My fondest memories of Rick, whom I met in 1990 are breakfast with he and `The Colonel´, Beau Fournet, often at the Pontchartrain. May his memory be a blessing to all who have known him.

Richard Smallpage

January 29, 2024

Great father,husband, and friend. GOD BLESS

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