Search Results

BLACKBURN -- William Blackburn, 83, a resident of Albuquerque, died Sunday, December 21, 2008. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sylvia Blackburn; two daughters, Christina Leopold and husband Robert of Los Lunas, NM, and Sissy Odom and husband Mike of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, Joshua Derrig, Michael Odom, Cameron Leopold and Symone Sanchez. Brother-in-law Jerry Hamilton and wife George Ann. Nephew Roger Blackburn and wife Tracy, niece Stephanie Blackburn-Jorgensen and husband Gordon; niece Whitney Hamilton, niece Ashley Brady and husband Mike. Great-niece Kristina Blackburn; his faithful dog Sam, and numerous other relatives and friends. Bill, or as he was affectionately known as "Blackie" to his friends, schoolmates, and construction colleagues was born in Springfield, IL January 24, 1925 to Simon and Bessie Blackburn. He and his family moved to New Mexico in 1937. Bill attended Lincoln Middle School and Albuquerque High School where he graduated in 1943. While attending Albuquerque High School, he actively participated and lettered in football, basketball, and track and was honored many times in the Hall of Fame at AHS. Immediately following graduation, he joined the Marine Corps where he proudly served in WWII. Bill married Sylvia February 19, 1955. Bill had a long and successful career in construction where he worked with his father, nephew and many other life long friends. Bill was a member of Heights Christian Church. After his retirement Bill passionately served on the Alumni Association for Albuquerque High School where he was recently acknowledged for his dedication and service. The family wishes to sincerely express their gratitude to the dedicated angels of the Presbyterian Hospice Services for all they did for Bill in the last few months of his life - we don't know what we would have done without you. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle and will be deeply missed by all that knew him. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at Heights Christian Church, 6935 Comanche Rd., N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87110, Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the AHS Alumni Association, 800 Odelia Rd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102.
        Published on: Fri December 26, 2008