Robert Blandford

LACONIA -- Robert Roulston Blandford, 76, died at his home on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, after a battle with ALS.

He was born Sept. 3, 1932, in Quincy, Mass., to Mildred (Spratt) and Dr. George R. Blandford. He attended North Quincy High, Class of 1950, Bentley College, Class of 1952, and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. He worked as an accountant for State Street Bank, Campanelli Bros, Nalews, Inc. and Charwill Construction Company, from which he retired in 1994.

He and his wife, Mary Anna (Sprinkle), and their children moved to Gilford in 1966, where he was involved in the town recreation department, starting the Little League program and working to build the recreation fields. He coached many baseball teams in town, including 14 years with Nalews Babe Ruth Team and six with the American Legion squad from Laconia.

IN HIS LIFE: Bob was an avid golfer and belonged to Laconia Country Club for many years. Bob's trademark symbol was Mickey Mouse, and he was never seen without his Mickey logo shirts. He wore them so often that his grandchildren called him "Grandpa Mickey".

Bob is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Anna Blandford of Laconia; his four children, Susan Blandford O'Brien and her husband, Bill, of North Andover, Karen Blandford-Anderson and her husband, George, of Derry, David Blandford and his wife, Gail, of Windham, and Paul Blandford and his wife, Tracey, of Gilford; his sister, Ruth Brayton and her husband, Robert, of Berkeley, Calif.; his brother, Paul D. Blandford and his wife, Barbara, of Beverly, Mass.; the joys of his life, his 10 grandchildren, Kathyrn, Lauryn, Heather, Rachel, Samantha, and John Blandford, Grant O'Brien and Robert, Erik, and Ian Anderson; his nieces and nephews, Jane Burchard, James Brayton, Michael Brayton and Beth Rousseau. He is predeceased by his stepfather, Richard Devlin.

SERVICES: Calling hours are Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Carriage House of Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia.

A funeral service is Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford. The Rev. Michael Graham, will officiate. Burial will follow in the family lot in Pine Grove Cemetery, Gilford.

Memorial donations can be made to your local ALS Chapter.