Larry Duane Blakney

Larry came kicking and screaming into this world on April 5, 1933, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. He was the first son of Everett and Mildred Blakney. On April 15th, 79 years and 10 days later he passed peacefully at a newer St. Patrick Hospital with his family and friends at his side. Though heartbroken, those whose lives have been touched by Larry may find comfort in their many loving memories of him. He attended Lowell Grade School and Missoula County High School before joining the U.S. Navy in January of 1951. He was honorably discharged in June of 1953. After his time in the service he came home to help his father in the family business, Blakney's Glass Shop. When his father passed away in 1956, Larry and his brother Wyman took over the glass shop and ran it until their retirement in April of 1998. Larry may have been best known for his knife sharpening and in his later years his woodworking. People came from miles around to have Larry sharpen their knives, axes, arrowheads and all types of lawn and garden tools. They would come to have their sharpening done and then visit with him and admire his woodworking. He loved life and had a great time living it to the fullest. In his younger years he loved fishing and hunting with his brother and friends. He raced boats and Go-Karts, and was always the guy that wanted to go faster. He worked hard at the shop and at home growing a huge garden for his and Wyman's families and when he played, he played hard. Thirty years ago he met the love of his life, Linda Martin, and they recently celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary. During their years together they enjoyed fishing, bowling and, with much convincing, Larry even played softball at many family and friend functions. Upon Larry's retirement he and Linda enjoyed spending the majority of their time together playing golf with family and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his son Kip, his sister Peggy, and his brother Wyman. He is survived by his wife Linda at the family home, son Tom Blakney of Columbia Falls and children Josh and Beth, son Shane Blakney of Spearfish, SD and children Danielle and Nicholas, son Mike Martin (Allison) of Missoula and children Dante and Chance, step-son Jim Martin (Robin) of Mount Vernon, WA and children Paul and Micah, special friend Rocky Hocevar, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at the Garden City Funeral Home on Friday, April 20th at 11:00am. A reception will follow at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery, 1911 Tower Street, Missoula, MT 59804, or to a charity of your choice.