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John BLACKBIRD Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John BLACKBIRD
Sponsored by St Paul Pioneer Press.
Bill Martin
September 6, 2022
It's been 5 years since John's untimely passing and I still think of how he enriched my life by being the breeder of of my beloved black lab, 'Laker', named after the 'Land of 10,000 lakes'------since then she passed on and has joined John up with the Lord------I'm certain John has had great conversations with the many outstanding dogs he bred and loved which have also passed on--------Thank you again for bringing her into my life.
Bill Martin, and 'Laker'.
St. Louis.
ELDON HUBER
September 6, 2020
WE HAD GOOD TIMES IN STURGIS
Tom Laney
September 5, 2020
Miss you Man!
Gary Taylor
March 30, 2020
Karen, I just learned of John's passing a couple of years ago. I am so sorry for you and your families loss. I'm sorry this is so late. If you need anything I'm here to help.
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Butch McDonald
September 18, 2017
When I came to the Twin Cities Plant John was one of the first person's I met here also love playing ball with John and Karen you will be missed John.
September 16, 2017
I had the pleasure of knowing john, Karen and several of their friends. John was a rare bird, in the he was such a genuine "nice guy" (99 % of the time)
I used to ride with him and his lovely bride to Sturgis for a few years, Even met him in the Rockies when he and Karen went up to Alaska that time... and never heard any one say anything bad about him.
Was at his retirement party, and been to his home
He loved Harleys, Karen, People, Dogs, and beer, not necessarily in that order... I will truly miss you my friend. It was a shock that I tripped acrross your Obit- Karen I wish you solace and comfort. Adios my bud!
September 15, 2017
Too Young = Too Soon = A GOOD GUY TO WORK AROUND ALWAYS FUN AND INTERESTIHG TO TALK TO - - - DALLAS THE RATTTLER =FORD MOTOR
Ronald Caliri
September 15, 2017
You were a great union brother in the fight at the work place. You will be missed deeply. Our deepest sympathy and rest in peace! Ron and Liz Caliri
September 15, 2017
Karen and family: Our sincere sympathy to you and your entire family. I worked with John lots of years and so sorry to hear of his passing. Ron and Liz Caliri
September 15, 2017
Karen, If you need anything call. Sorry such a sudden loss. I love you. Donna Wahlstrom
Jesse Klaudt
September 13, 2017
This news saddens our family. I was in my late teens when I started hunting, John and his family where there for my first SD pheasant season. He taught me so many things in the few years we hunted together. He will be missed in so many ways.
Daniel and Ann LaBelle
September 13, 2017
Sorry to hear of John's passing . He was a very good man.
Scott Bursch
September 13, 2017
Karen and Family,
John was a joy to be around. I value the memories and past hunts with Karen and John. I'm praying for you!
Mike & Mary Nitti
September 13, 2017
John, you were loved and respected by so many people, you will be sadly missed, RIP. Karen and all the Blackbird family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Gary Witherspoon
September 13, 2017
Karen and Family,
My deepest sympathies to you at this time of such great loss.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carmel Laney
September 13, 2017
My deepest sympathies. Very sad! Great loss. Praying for strength for Karen and family. I have such great memories of John and Karen!
Thomas and Petra Schoettler
September 13, 2017
Sorry for your lost ♡ Karen - He was such a very nice guye ....
Thomas and Petra Schoettler
September 13, 2017
Sorry for your lost ♡
Bob Owens
September 12, 2017
Karen and family, sorry to hear of John's passing. He was the reason for my involvement in the new Master Amateure organization. We are all blessed with his commitment and guidance for the organization. Thanks to Jack Morris for introducing me to John as a wonderful gift as he became a mentor. You and your family will be in my prayers and wish you with the best of memories. Bob Owens
DeAnn Player
September 12, 2017
Jim, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He was such a great man. May he rest in peace!DeDe
September 12, 2017
Sometimes we have the privilege in life to meet someone so well liked and respected, with class and character and we are all better off for having known that person. John was that guy. Karin our thoughts and prayers are with you joe and Jim and family. May you find strength in knowing that John was so well thought of. I wish I had had the good fortune to have met him earlier in life.
Terry and Kathy Krominga lesueur mn
Ryan and Lynn Krominga north field mn
Labs, abbey (deceased) Nellie 2016
Remy 2017
Lance and Lori Olson
September 12, 2017
Karen and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers through this most difficult time. Our deepest sympathies. John was a great man and will be missed!
Loreen Blackbird Isaacs
September 12, 2017
We are thinking of the Blackbird family at this very sad time and mourning John's passing with all of you.
With fond memories,
Aunt Loreen Blackbird-Isaacs and
Clark Isaacs, and
Cousins, Wayne and Kim Blackbird
Craig Kessler
September 12, 2017
To Karen and the Blackbird family condolences to you all. He will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ed Erickson
September 12, 2017
Thank you John for all the good memories and training tips the laughs and stories gunning for us at the VHDF tests on the retriever grounds the friendship with you and Karen is very special along with the path Karen and i travel,
Love
Ed
bonnie wright
September 12, 2017
He touched my life through his compassion during the master Hunt tests he judged when I ran Saxon. He gave me a lifetime memory when he selected us for the 2008 Master National test dog team. He's a good godly soul that loved dogs and everyone he was around He inspired people with high standards. He's free. Thank you John for the difference you made in many lives and the lives of the dogs. My heart goes out to Karen for the great loss she feels and the family. He's missed and great void to all of us in the dog world. may God's love heal through your tears. Our prayers and support.
Julie Pothen
September 12, 2017
Jimmy so sorry to hear about your dad. May he RIP. Keeping you and family in our thoughts and prayers. Julie Pothen
September 12, 2017
Dear Karen
I am so very sorry. I was very shocked when I was told. I will always treasure the memories of hunting out at the farm.
Our prayers are with you at this time. May God be with you and the family in the days he gives. Amen
Tiny Klaudt Herreid South Dakota
R C
September 12, 2017
Diane Kortus
September 12, 2017
John was a wonderful brother-in-law and uncle. He made such a difference in my life, and that of my children. We will always be proud that John chose our family to retire Maggie May, his very first lab. John, you are leaving us much too soon, but your spirit will be with us forever. Our love to Karen, Joe, Jim and all the family. We are so sorry.
Jodi Wooding
September 12, 2017
R I P dear sweet gentle man - so sorry Karen - you are in my thoughts and prayers
Ron Davis
September 12, 2017
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU
Ron and Carol Davis
Tim and Judy Melham
September 12, 2017
We want to express our deepest sympathy to Karen and family. John leaves behind not only family and friends but a lasting imprint on the hunt test world. Thoughts and prayers.
Tom Dorn
September 12, 2017
Karen: May the love of family and friends surround you during this time of sadness. John was a wonderful person, a man you were glad to know.
Elaine VanBriggle
September 12, 2017
So sorry to hear this. I met John and Karen during winter retriever training in GA. You and your family are in my prayers.
Tammy Mauricio
September 12, 2017
John you will be surely miss by all and a friend. we meet on the retriever ground you would help the MNVHDF club in our trials.
Jay Humsey
September 11, 2017
John and Karen were the only people I knew in Minnesota when I moved here in 1986 (we met at Black Lake).They helped me find a place to live and treated me like family. I will forever be in their debt. Rest in peace, John, and my deepest sympathies to Karen and the boys.
Tom Laney
September 11, 2017
Thanks John for being such a great Union man, great friend.
Godspeed.
Tom and Barb Laney
Lin Gelbmann
September 11, 2017
John was a friend and mentor for me. Someone I have always looked up to who willing helped whenever asked. He always greeted me with a hug. My hunt tests will never be the same. My heart goes out to Karen..
Randy & Mary Spangler
September 11, 2017
John will be forever missed by the entire retriever community that both he and Karen were a huge part of.
Our deepest condolences to Karen and all of John's family. You can be consoled in the fact that John was highly respected and greatly loved by everyone who was luck enough to have known him.
God Speed, Rest in Peace my friend.
Jerry and Judy Drum
September 11, 2017
Our hearts are greatly saddened by the loss of dear John. A wonderful friend to all people and dogs alike.
And a wonderful Ambassador to the Retriever world unlike no other.
Our sincere condolences and prayers to his wife and all his family and dogs.
Deeply loved and missed by all.
Bill and Joyce Barten
September 11, 2017
Karen and family, we are deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. He touched many lives and made the world a brighter place.
Sincere sympathy,
Bill and Joyce Barten
Bruce Williams
September 11, 2017
John was a very special man and will be deeply missed by everyone he met and mentored.
God bless you Karen and your family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
It was an honor to know him, truly it was.
Bruce and Lynn Williams
Judith
September 11, 2017
My heartfelt sympathy for the lost of your beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle. May cherishing memories of times spent with him soothe your heart. Also may you be comforted knowing that God understands and cares for you. Psalms chapter 34.verse 18.SINCERELY YOURS
DOROTHY SOKOLOWSKI
September 11, 2017
Karen and Family I am so sorry for your loss ..John was a great guy
Keith & Luann Kiesow
September 11, 2017
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Blackbird family. We lost a man that made many friends and was a huge advocate of the hunt test program. His passion for the program was second to none. His contributions to the sport many of us love will never be forgotten. Rest in peace John.
Marta Duhon
September 11, 2017
Dear Karen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have been so blessed to have known John and spent time with the both of you. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Jace Tramontin
September 11, 2017
Bob Haapala
September 11, 2017
John was a great man. My condolences to Karen and family.
Larry & Holly Blasbalg
September 11, 2017
With my deepest condolences, may our thoughts and prayers be with you and your family.
September 11, 2017
Karen and Family:
I want to let you know that I love you and John and am SO sorry for the loss to you and yours and the game he loved so much. Prayers for you!
Bill Blochowiak and the Sooner Retriever
Paul Brady
September 11, 2017
I have not been in the hunt test/dog world long, but I am truly blessed to have known John. He treated me as a lifelong friend the very first time we met. He was a mentor to many of us and one of the most generous men I've ever met. God bless John Blackbird, Karen and the entire family.
Marion Woolie
September 11, 2017
What a privilege and joy it was to call John my friend . Not surprising the first time I met John and the last time we were together was at dog events. I will miss him dearly . Karen , my thoughts and prayers are with you and family during this sorrowful time.
September 11, 2017
I will always cherish the wonderful support that you gave to me and I will miss your great smile. Karen I am so sorry for your loss you had a special partner.
Susie Bell
Puslinch, Ontario
Dora Heffelfinger
September 11, 2017
The Hunt Test world lost a great friend. Rest in Peace, John.
Roger & Diane Wallner
September 11, 2017
We are so saddened to hear of John's passing. He was one of a kind, a man who was a friend to everyone. We were certainly happy that we could count him as a good friend. We will miss him dearly, as will all of those that knew him. Our deepest sympathy to you Karen and your family. The Retriever world has lost one of the best. His leadership and contributions will never be forgotten.
September 11, 2017
The retriever sports will miss John's great talent & enthusiasm.
Don DeZurik
New London, WI
Jerry Kortus
September 11, 2017
John saw you last week.you said you were doing good.See you one week gone the next thats terrible.To Karen and family.John will be missed.be strong.Jerry Kortus
Gary Mausolf
September 11, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss Karen and family! I pray for his eternal rest with our Lord in Heaven and for your comfort and strength in this difficult time. While you won't remember me, I will never forget meeting you and John this past summer at the LCRC hunt test. You were so kind and I will never forget that. I then ran under John the following weekend at the MIRRC hunt test. His final words to me were, "Don't let him get the bird" when my dog broke in the third series. Even when he was judging he was mentoring. What a wonderful human being and contributor to the retriever community! May the Lord's peace be with you in this time of grief.
Lauren Bullock
September 11, 2017
My sincere condolences and thoughts are with the entire Blackbird family. John came to judge for the Labrador Retriever Club of Southern California hunt test 10 years ago and stayed at our house. He was a joy to meet and run under. His passion for the sport and dogs will always be remembered. What a huge loss to the Retriever community. I am honored to have known him and will remember his passion and dedication.
Bill Martin
September 11, 2017
So sad to learn of John's sudden passing-----I had the good fortune of buying an outstanding dog from him and Karen, and have been greatly blessed ever since----hunting with him, watching him work dogs or just visiting him and Karen were a real joy----he will be missed dearly by man and dogs as well----
September 11, 2017
Sympathy and Prayers from MaryAnnLeo Formerly from Arcade Dental Office.
Robert Rascoe
September 11, 2017
To Karen and John's family... I can not express how saddened I am to hear of John's passing. It was a privilege to know him and call him my friend. He will truly be missed by so many . You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Robert and Mollie Rascoe
Gail Kuklinski
September 11, 2017
His tireless work to improve the hunt test game created open doors for many of us to walk through and enjoy it with our dogs. I am forever grateful!
Nathan and Stephany Schmitz
September 11, 2017
Thank you John for all that you gave to this world! It was truly our honor to have known you! You're dogs in heaven will be delighted to see you once again, and your dogs here will grieve your absence; as will we all!
Karen and family - our prayers and thoughts are with you all in this heartbreaking time.
Doug Asfaly
September 11, 2017
Rest in peace, John.
I feel blessed for having known you and feel honored to call you "friend".
May God hold and help Karen and family in this time of grief.
Doug
Terry Elliott
September 11, 2017
We remember John as a happy soul with a heart filled with love for Karen, his dogs, and his friends. We will surely miss him and all he stood for. Terry & Steve Elliott
Elaine Goodner
September 11, 2017
Thoughts and prayer for Karen and family. John, I bet all your 4 footed pals that have passed greeted you.
September 11, 2017
My condolences to the Blackbird family. John was very passionate about the retriever sports and a huge advocate of it as well. His passion, work ethic, respect and knowledge will be truly missed.
Jeff Brezee
President SMHRA
Mike Verdon
September 11, 2017
The Retriever World has lost a tremendous advocate. He will be missed by many. GUNS UP John!
Gordie Schlichting
September 11, 2017
Still trying to wrap my head around the fact that my dear friend is no longer on this earth. As so many other have and will say, he was a mentor, friend, and partner to so many of us in the retriever world. He was the hunt test program;s biggest advocate. He loved his dogs and loved all those who shared his ambition to raise the retriever sports to new heights. His influence on the retriever world will be felt for a long time as we all carry on in the manner that John demonstrated. Apparently they are running retriever events in heaven and needed John there more than we need him here with us.
Godspeed to his family and friends. Rest in peace my dear friend.
September 11, 2017
KAREN U HAVE OUR PRAYERS IN YOUR LOSS MAXINE & ELDON HUBER
Jace & Denise Tramontin
September 11, 2017
We have lost a mentor and friend. Words cannot express my thanks or my sorrow. His integrity and our memories will last forever. You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
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