In Memory Of
Ralph William Blakeman
1940
2012
Ralph William Blakeman
August 12, 1940 — March 7, 2012
Ralph William "Bill" Blakeman
1940-2012
71, of Denver passed away from heart failure on Tuesday March 07, 2012.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Ann Blakeman, two children: Colleena Kay Blakeman-Groves and son-in-law Robert Dale Groves, and Becky Jo Bigsby and son-in-law Quintin Wayne Bigsby, one grandchild: Abbigale Lynn Blakeman, one great grandchild: Faye Lynn Blakeman: brother: Lloyd Lee Blakeman and three sisters: Florence Louise Oest, Kate B. Johnson, Alma R. Saindon. He is preceded in death by his mother Delpha Gaskel and father Calvin Russell Blakeman, adopted mother: Julia May "Shorty" Tabor.
Ralph was born in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and grew up in Yampa and Meeker, Colorado. He was called Will or Bill by the Blakeman family and Ralph by his loving wife. Papa by his grandchildren and great grandchildren (this would include all of the close family friends that became like his own children.) He had many nick names: Mr. Blakeman or Rackman, Father Time, Big Bill, which was given to him by his children, nieces, nephews and friends.
In March 1962, he married Shirley Finch, who he had met at a town dance. They enjoyed
a loving, nurturing and adventurous 50 years together. He served in the United States Navy from September 24, 1957 and was honorably discharged on May 16, 1960. His tour of duty was spent aboard the USS Maddox DD731. He was stationed in San Diego and spent some time in Japan.
Ralph enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, hunting, playing Uno and Old Maid with his girls. He enjoyed tinkering, fixing and building. He loved sporting his Raiders gear to start the bantering with family members about the Broncos. He loved to tease and joke and laugh with his family. He enjoyed County music some of his favorites were Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and Charlie Pride.
His biggest joy was spending time teasing and joking with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He could always get a laugh out of any of us. Words cannot express how deeply missed he is and what a void this has left on all of us. And if he were here he would surely have something to say that would get us through this incredibly difficult time – "Go Raiders, boo Broncos"
Father Time we will miss you ~
Service:
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 11:00 AM
Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area "B" 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80235. Following the ceremony please join the family to celebrate Ralph's life at the American Legion 176,1655 Simms St, Lakewood, CO 80215, (303) 233-9758. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Association in his memory.
1940-2012
71, of Denver passed away from heart failure on Tuesday March 07, 2012.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Ann Blakeman, two children: Colleena Kay Blakeman-Groves and son-in-law Robert Dale Groves, and Becky Jo Bigsby and son-in-law Quintin Wayne Bigsby, one grandchild: Abbigale Lynn Blakeman, one great grandchild: Faye Lynn Blakeman: brother: Lloyd Lee Blakeman and three sisters: Florence Louise Oest, Kate B. Johnson, Alma R. Saindon. He is preceded in death by his mother Delpha Gaskel and father Calvin Russell Blakeman, adopted mother: Julia May "Shorty" Tabor.
Ralph was born in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and grew up in Yampa and Meeker, Colorado. He was called Will or Bill by the Blakeman family and Ralph by his loving wife. Papa by his grandchildren and great grandchildren (this would include all of the close family friends that became like his own children.) He had many nick names: Mr. Blakeman or Rackman, Father Time, Big Bill, which was given to him by his children, nieces, nephews and friends.
In March 1962, he married Shirley Finch, who he had met at a town dance. They enjoyed
a loving, nurturing and adventurous 50 years together. He served in the United States Navy from September 24, 1957 and was honorably discharged on May 16, 1960. His tour of duty was spent aboard the USS Maddox DD731. He was stationed in San Diego and spent some time in Japan.
Ralph enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, hunting, playing Uno and Old Maid with his girls. He enjoyed tinkering, fixing and building. He loved sporting his Raiders gear to start the bantering with family members about the Broncos. He loved to tease and joke and laugh with his family. He enjoyed County music some of his favorites were Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and Charlie Pride.
His biggest joy was spending time teasing and joking with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He could always get a laugh out of any of us. Words cannot express how deeply missed he is and what a void this has left on all of us. And if he were here he would surely have something to say that would get us through this incredibly difficult time – "Go Raiders, boo Broncos"
Father Time we will miss you ~
Service:
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 11:00 AM
Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area "B" 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80235. Following the ceremony please join the family to celebrate Ralph's life at the American Legion 176,1655 Simms St, Lakewood, CO 80215, (303) 233-9758. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Association in his memory.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ralph William Blakeman, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
5:00 - 8:00 pm (Mountain time)
Newcomer - West Metro Chapel
Service
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Starts at 11:00 am (Mountain time)
Newcomer - West Metro Chapel
Guestbook
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