John Robert Blaisdell

John Robert (Bob) Blaisdell, 104, died October 13, 2017 at home. Bob was born April 7, 1913 in Bradford, IL to Ray and Julia Cooney who instilled in him a life-long work ethic. He attended a one room school house in the country. Bob then attended high school in Bradford where he excelled in sports, especially football as captain of the team. He was also in student government and participated in the school plays. Working on the farm after graduation from high school, and helping his uncle during the summer painting houses, he attended college. A loan from his uncle made this possible. He Attended Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL, graduating in 1936. He helped pay for his room and board by being a night custodian for the university. After Bob graduated from Western Illinois, he married the love of his life, Doris Bentley in 1936. They left Illinois and moved to Colorado where Bob earned a Master's Degree at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO. He taught, coached, and became principal of Douglas County High School in Castle Rock, CO. In 1945, Bob was offered a position at Seismograph Service Corporation, an international oil exploration company, in Tulsa, OK. He accepted the position as Personnel Director and remained with Seismograph for 35 years, retiring as an executive vice president in charge of personnel international division. Bob and Doris were parents of three daughters, Mary Rosalie Blaisdell (deceased in 1998), Elizabeth Diane Blaisdell Miller, and Kathy Jane Blaisdell. Bob and Doris worked tirelessly to promote education classes for their special needs daughters. Bob accepted positions and held offices at Children's Workshop, and HOW sheltered workshop in Tulsa, and Home of Hope in Vinita, OK. His efforts did much to advance education and care for those with special needs and their families. Bob enjoyed creating beautiful one of a kind pieces in wood. His home was decorated with bowls, lamps, and candlesticks in the rich woods he used. Along with fishing, it remained a great hobby throughout his life. Bob had five siblings. He was especially close to his sister Lillian Blaisdell Terwilliger and her family. He was preceded in death by his sisters Lillian and Helen and brothers Chauncey, John, and Tom, daughter Mary Rosalie, and his beloved wife of seventy-two years, Doris. Survivors include his daughter Diane Blaisdell Miller and son-in-law Bobby W. Miller of Mission Viejo, CA, daughter Kathy Jane Blaisdell of Vinita, OK, and his grandsons Jordan Miller, and Andrew Miller of Mission Viejo, CA, his many nieces and nephews, as well as his close friend Bill Kellough. The family wishes to thank Dana Mack and Sonia Chandler for their devotion through the years as caregivers. They also want to thank the volunteers who delivered Meals on Wheels, giving of their time and caring. Donations may be made in Bob's memory to the Home of Hope, P.O. Box 903 Vinita, OK 74301

John Robert Blaisdell

April 7, 1913 - October 13, 2017