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Bruce Blackman Obituary
Bruce Randall Blackman, 61, passed away on September 15, 2017, from heart failure. Bruce was born on March 21, 1956, in Washington, DC. He graduated from Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, MD and West Chester University in Pennsylvania. He completed graduate work at Loyola University Maryland. Bruce Blackman was a man full of life and joy. His enthusiasm for everything he did was obvious to all who knew him. His family, friends, colleagues and students enjoyed his smile, his laugh and the twinkle in his eyes. To know Bruce was to feel embraced in a warm hug. He was, quite simply, a good, honorable man. Bruce taught English for 38 years at Severna Park High School and impacted generations of Severna Park families. Bruce always said he bled blue and gold. Early in his career, he was the advisor of the stage crew and cross country, indoor and outdoor track coach. He retired June, 2017. Bruce is remembered by his colleagues and students as a mentor and friend. They recall his passion for teaching, his sense of humor, and his caring, encouraging manner. Bruce was an avid fan of most sports, especially college basketball and the Maryland Terrapins. He was also a supporter of the Orioles and the Redskins. He enjoyed reading, including historical fiction and espionage and spy novels. Bruce followed politics and the news daily, reading newspapers and watching the news and political programs. In the Blackman household, if it's Sunday, it really is Meet the Press. Most of all Bruce was devoted to his family. His unconditional love of his family defined him as a man. His greatest goals in life were to make his wife, Lin, happy and to be a supportive and loving role model for his sons, Dan and Geoff. His granddaughter, Zoe, became a special joy for him as he enjoyed playing with her, reading to her, and taking her on adventures. His daughter-in-law Kim and his soon to be daughter-in-law, Pamela, were welcomed into the family by Bruce with open arms. His family was his greatest passion. A gathering to honor Bruce will be held at Chartwell Country Club in Severna Park on Sunday, September 24, from noon to 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Maryland Food Bank, mdfoodbank.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sophia
November 29, 2024
Just remembered you the other day. You seemed like a great person. Wish I had talked to you more.
From a student :)
Maureen England
October 14, 2017
Mr. Blackman was a shining light in high school. A teacher you could trust, would make you laugh, and most of all taught you to think and inspired you to learn. I was so sorry to hear of his passing.
Allison Cole
September 30, 2017
Dear Lin, Dan & Geoff,
I was so sorry to hear of your husband & father's passing. He was a wonderful teacher and I will always have fond memories of his english class. Please know the thoughts and prayers of so many of his students are with you during this difficult time.
With sincerest condolences,
Allison Cole
September 25, 2017
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I pray in the midst of your sorrow you find comfort in all
the joyful memories shared and will always cherish these beautiful memories . Romans 15:13 -
D.W.
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Susan Redmond
September 21, 2017
Dear Lin, Dan and Jeff I was shocked to hear about your father and Bruce. Ellen Alexander sent me the email and I am so sorry. You know he was a fabulous teacher and father and he loved all of you so much. Lin I am so sorry I do not know what to say. You and the boys lost him much too early. Remember his laugh and his smile and the happy times.
gabbi wolf
September 21, 2017
Mr. Blackman was my mentor and i did nothing but deeply appreciate everything he did for me and said to me, he was one of the most loving people in my life, i told him all of my problems and he loved me and told me to never ever look down and to always think about how tomorrow can be better... he was an inspiring teacher and human to me with an incredible meaning and a beautiful deep soul, through everything he went through he was so free spirited and showed me laughter and happiness, and i could be myself with him and i will never forget him, i was very emotionally attached to him and he will have a big spot in my heart... And to his wife and kids, i wish nothing but the best to you all and i share my deepest love.. he did not only teach me how to be a good student, he taught me to be a good person... and i will forever be so very thankful to have been blessed with him in my life.
Barbara Dorsey
September 21, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the family. May God be with you and may God bless you.
Betty Freeland
September 20, 2017
Dear Lin,
Ron and I am were prayerfully concerned during Bruce's illness and deeply saddened by his passing. The few times we spent with the both of you showed us a special couple.
We are sorry to miss the service as we will be returning from a trip, but will be with you and your family in spirit.
We will continue to keep you In our prayers.
Vickie Wardell
September 20, 2017
I am saddened to hear the news of Bruce passing away. My deepest thoughts and prayers for Lin and her family.
September 20, 2017
Bruce was an exceptional person in so many ways. As an educator, he made a difference in the lives of untold numbers. Lin, he will be missed, remembered fondly, and always with a smile! Pat and Earl Gronkiewicz
Severna Park HS BOB
September 19, 2017
On behalf of the SPHS Band & Orchestra Boosters and all the instrumental music students we hold dear now, and in the nearly 4 decades before, I extend all of our most heartfelt condolences in the loss of Mr. Blackman. Know that SPHS families of all ages are grieving with you and will remember him fondly in their own hearts. My family alone was blessed to have our 3 children over the last 11 years be a part of his legacy at SPHS. With sincerest sympathy ~ Tracye Wood, SPHS BOB Secretary
September 19, 2017
Sincere condolences goes out to the Blackman family for your sad loss. May GOD be with the family as you mourn the loss of Bruce.
September 19, 2017
On behalf of the SPHS Band & Orchestra Boosters and all the instrumental music students we hold dear now, and in the nearly 4 decades before, I extend all of our most heartfelt condolences in the loss of Mr. Blackman. Know that SPHS families of all ages are grieving with you and will remember him fondly in their own hearts. My family alone was blessed to have our 3 children over the last 11 years be a part of his legacy at SPHS. With sincerest sympathy ~ Tracye Wood, SPHS BOB Secretary
Shelley & Robert Johnson
September 19, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lin and family. Bruce truly was a special man and will be greatly missed.
La Jerne Cornish
September 19, 2017
Lin, I am so very sorry to learn of Bruce's passing. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Thinking of you and sending you love...
September 19, 2017
My heart goes out to you for your deep loss you must be feeling for your beloved Bruce. How sad to lose someone so loved and so needed. May you find comfort in prayer and in one another. (Jeremiah 29:12,13)
Nancy Kennedy
September 19, 2017
Heartfelt sympathy to the Blackman family. My daughters, who knew him and Geoff from Woods, adored him and were saddened by this news. Bruce was, indeed, a very good man and exemplary role model. His positive influence will be carried forward in the lives of the youth who were fortunate enough to know him. This is a lovely tribute to a life very well lived.
Susan Tate
September 19, 2017
My prayers are with Lin and the family. I'm sure Bruce and Harvey are playing STRAT together now.
john Johnston
September 19, 2017
I had the great good fortune to work with Bruce at Severna Park High School. His unwavering respectful kindness toward students and staff provided a most inspiring model.
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