Robert William "Bob" Blakemore

Robert W. Blakemore

Robert W. Blakemore, born July 5, 1926, in Lakemore, Ohio, Robert "Bob" William Blakemore passed away peace fully on Nov. 27, 2003, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob left a caring legacy and had a profound effect on his family, his friends, his law offices, local organizations, and his community.

Growing up on North Hill, Bob made many friends with whom he maintained lifelong relations and fond memories. He gradu ated from North High, and served in the U.S. Army in the Philippines. Upon returning home he attended and graduated from Kent State University and then completed his legal training graduating from the Ak ron Law School. After passing the Ohio Bar, he was an Akron City prosecutor prior to entering private practice. He became an excellent trial attorney and was respected by his peers both professionally and as a real gentleman. Bob mentored many young lawyers who felt proud and fortunate to have worked with him, many of whom became successful lawyers and fine men. Bob gave his very best and you could always depend upon him regardless of the situation.

Bob loved politics and he soon rose in the ranks. He became chairman of the Demo cratic Party. Here again, he worked for the betterment of everyone. Whether assisting a clerk, city council members, or Senators John Glenn or Hubert Humphrey, Bob was always there. Bob was a humanitarian and one of his most rewarding projects was as captain of the Shaw Cup Golf Competition, which raised money for the Ed win Shaw Rehab Facility (where he was later a patient). Not only did he enjoy this challenge he enjoyed the camaraderie with all the golfers he met. He loved meeting people, Bob loved sports, especially golf, fishing, baseball, and basketball. Some of his happiest moments were golfing with his friends at Sharon Country Club or fishing in the evening in the small ponds along the fairways.

Throughout his life Bob held the meaning of family and friendship deeply in his heart. Despite so much involvement, his door was always open to anyone who needed advice. Bob cared about people and was a good listener. He got great satisfaction out of helping others who often became friends. People were drawn to Bob's caring, honesty, generosi ty, skill, confidence, and gentle humor. He was a man of lead ership, integrity, and honor, yet humble with great appreciation for fairness and justice. He will be missed and remembered as a man who was always willing to stand up for an important cause or help someone in need, and whose presence brought much consolation and happiness to so many who knew him.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Florence; his grandfather, John C.; his aunt Adelaide Standish; and his son, Robert Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Joanne; his daughter, Allison (Ben) Manayan; his son, Jon; his brothers, William "Bucky" (Mitzi) Woy of Dallas, Texas, and Jack (Dale) Woy; nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Visiting Nurse of Hospice, 3358 Ridgewood Rd., Akron, Ohio 44333. Private burial serv ices will be held at Greensburg Cemetery. A memorial mass will be held at St. Vincent's Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2003. (McGowan Reid & Santos, an Anthony Family Funeral Home, 330-928-1313.)

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