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David Blackburn Obituary
David Blackburn, formerly of Calumet City, IL passed away of natural causes at his home in Santa Monica, CA. David was the son of the late Ernest and Charlotte Blackburn. Preceding him in death was his beloved brother, Brian. Surviving David are brothers: Jay (Erika)) of LaPorte, IN, Robert (Margaret) of Louisville, KY, Raymond (the late Randy) of Chicago, IL and sister-in-law Dawn of Rochester, MI. Also surviving are 11 nieces and nephews and three grand nieces and nephews. David was a 1978 graduate of T.F. North High School and a 1982 graduate of the University of IL. Urbana Champaign. Following graduation, Dave moved to the Los Angeles area to pursue his two great loves, fast pitch softball and computer animation for the entertainment industry. Dave was a pioneer on the use virtual reality and computer motion capture. Projects he was involved with are too numerous to mention. Dave's love of fast pitch softball came from watching his father, Ernie, playing all over the Midwest. Dave moved to California so he could play year round. His career highlights included many trips to Israel and South America playing with the US Maccabi softball team. He pitched in many national tournaments and was a member of the World Champion Camarillo Kings. His career culminated in being elected in the southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, the Israel Softball Hall of Fame and the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame. It was on his way to a softball tournament that Dave was involved in a near fatal car crash. Though confined to a wheelchair these last four years, Dave never lost his sense of humor and large lust for life. He is deeply missed by his family and friends. There will be a Celebration of Life Service for Dave on Sunday, July 27, 2014 starting at 12pm at the Calumet City American legion Post 330, 950 Legion Drive. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Maccabi USA, 1926 Arch Street 4R, Philadelphia, PA 19103 or to an organization of your choice.
Memories and Condolences
for David Blackburn
5 Entries
Mike Davis
July 19, 2023
I met David in 1982, shortly after he moved to L.A. He was a great guy! I attended his induction into the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, he came to a UCLA women's basketball game I was working and sat courtside next to me. A mensch, missed by all who knew him.
Michael Duchowny
May 24, 2021
I met David in 1982, shortly after he moved to Los Angeles. We met while conducting business but he soon became a friend. Was a wonderful person, intelligent and charismatic, technically talented and a World Class softball pitcher. I know you passed away several years ago David, but for some reason, was thinking of you today. You are missed by many. Mike Duchowny (aka Mike Davis).
Sherye Young
August 1, 2014
Sorry to hear such sad news. Prayers to the Blackburn family. David went to school with my kids at TFN and his dad Ernie worked with my ex-husband on the railroad.
Maureen Berk
July 28, 2014
I knew David from his birth because his big brother Jay is best friends with my little brother Jay. He grew to be an amazing and brave man and he is loved and missed.
Tony Blackburn
July 25, 2014
Met David when he was a young man when he came with his father and mother to our family reunion. You could easily tell he was Ernie's son before he was introduced. His father and my Uncle Jim Blackburn played in a softball tournament in Terre Haute, Indiana. So sorry to hear about your loss and he will be greatly missed by many friends and family.
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