In Loving Memory of

Cecil William Robert Blackburn

of Edmonton
Jul 4, 1935 - Jul 22, 2011

 

 

Today Rotarians throughout District 5370 are sharing your sorrow. Cece was an inspiration to all of us and because of his work our Clubs are continuing to flourish and provide "Service Above Self." John Paterson PDG Rotary 5370
posted by Dr. John Paterson : through Rotary : Jul 27, 2011

 

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Cec passing. He was one of the kindest men I have ever met. He was especially good to my son and instrumentional in the Masonic Lodge sponsoring a program at the University of Alberta for children with ADD 15 years ago. His support helped my son Stephen learn the skills he needed to continue in public school, then college. We admired Cec and it was always a pleasure to see him - his quick smile and concern for others. A truly wonderful man. He was a gift and made a difference in so many lives. We will never forget you Cec.
posted by Sally Lore : through Masonic sponsorship as well as Rotary. : Jul 27, 2011

 

I was very sad to receive word today of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
posted by Bill Glover : I have known Cec for many years through our mutual association with the Masonic Foundation of Alberta, and the occasional times I was able to bring him to my Rotary Club as my guest. : Jul 27, 2011

 

Sympathy to all the family. I worked with Cec on Masonic Foundation of AB.V
posted by Doug. Barnard : Masonic Foundation. : Jul 26, 2011

 

Hello Blackburn family Cec was a solid supporter of the Rotary cross Canada tour which I have arranged for the past 11 years. I enjoyed several meals with Cec when in Edmonton after the long haul from Toronto by train and one great afternoon on the sailboat . He was a great guy and I shall miss him. To the family, society has lost a good man whose impact will be remebered. Mike Ross Fredericton NB
posted by Mike Ross : through Rotary : Jul 25, 2011

 

We have fond memories of Cec and Donna at our cottage in New Brunswick. He said it was his first experience with 'cottage life' and we thoroughly enjoyed having them. He was a great fellow and we will miss his quiet and caring presence. At our next 'ham sing or christmas sing along' we will sing a few Irish songs in his honour. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Donna and the rest of the family.
posted by Judy and Nic Wry : We are long time friends of Donna's. : Jul 25, 2011

 

Our deepest sympathy goes to the whole family. Cec was the District Governor who encouraged me so much during part of my time as the Assistant Governor for Zone 3 & who challenged me to reinvigorate the Fort McMurray Oilsands Rotary Club which did happen! I also knew Cec from the insurance business, Banff School, etc. It is the memories of Cec that all of you & all who knew him will hold dear. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Karen & Ken Saunderson, Fort McMurray
posted by Karen Saunderson : Karen & Ken are both Rotarians & Karen through the insurance business : Jul 25, 2011

 

We have so many wonderful memories of Cecil. We are so much better for meeting and getting to know him. We will always remember his warm smile, and contagious ensthusiam. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ramona and Greg Bavington
posted by Ramona Bavington : We met Cecil through Donna during a number of visits to Toronto and Edmonton : Jul 25, 2011

 

Cec has left the world a 'better place'. Cec was instrumental in helping me get the Rotary Club of Parkland After Dark off the ground. From weekly emails and phone calls and occasional meetings over 6 months without Cec I may not have been able to push on to get it launched. "Thank you so much again CEC for all your words of support and encouragement." Thanks to you to Donna for you were always there in the background and so friendly to me every time I phoned for help.
posted by Lynn Moroz : Rotary : Jul 25, 2011

 

I first met Cec in the 60's both via the Edmonton Jaycees and through Rugby with the Edmonton Leprechauns. He was a gentleman who was a very good businessman and an ardent supporter of many causes. I have not seen him for a while but will let the Mature Leprechaun Tigers RFC know and we will have a gargle in his honour at our August meeting. We also knew Cec well via Rotary where he was the District Governor immediately before my wife Judy. I have said many times the the good seem to be taken before theri time and this is the case here. I have fond memories of Cec and we have shared many chuckles together. Peter Harcourt
posted by Peter Harcourt : via Jaycees, Rugby and Rotary : Jul 25, 2011

 

Cec was a mentor. It was he who suggested for me to consider the role of District Governor. Together we worked hard on increasing membership in our Rotary District. He was a friend and great supporter of Rotary. We will miss him.
posted by Elly and Ramiro Contreras : Through Rotary : Jul 25, 2011

 

It is with great sadness that Cheryl and I hear of Cec's passing. Cec blackburn was a man of great ethics. At any time you could count on Cec to tell you whether it was black or white, and he would be willing to prove his stance. As District governor of rotary Cec provided leadership that one expects in a District Governor. He was always willing to lend his knowledge to the many committies of Rotary. He always had an "ear" to hear the concerns, and in his quiet manner would work with an individual to solve the issue. Cec will be missed by the family of Rotary but we all know that he will be working to charter a new club in another place. God bless you Cec. Sincerely - Bruce and Cheryl Christensen, PDG 2004-05
posted by Bruce Christensen : We knew Cec thru Rotary : Jul 25, 2011

 

Our deepest condolences Donna. I shall be forever thankful for knowing Cec and having the privilege of his mentorship in my Masonic endeavours... you brought me into the Masonic Foundation of Alberta and into the Pillar Senior Citizens Society... we were able to spend time travelling to meetings at both and visiting Lodges around the countryside... I shall miss those times dreadfully but thank God I was lucky enough to have you for a friend Cec... Farewell my Brother! Francis
posted by Francis and Anastasia Dryden and Boyd : As a member of Freemasonry : Jul 25, 2011

 

Dear Kerry, Sean, Aidan, Neil, Shauna and Mrs. Blackburn: I am so sorry to have read about the passing of your dad and grandfather. I offer you all my sincere condolences and peace at this time of sorrow. I hope that you have wonderful memories of the past that will help you heal during this time of sadness. In the words of my dad, "it's ok to cry as long as the tears of the joyful memories and not of the current situation". My thoughts are with all of you during this time. Love, Alexandra
posted by Alexandra Sheppard : Kerry and I were once the best of friends in junior high. I spent many happy evenings with the Blackburn family during those years. Later during my former married life, Kerry, Sean and my family spent many happy moments together. I wish the family love and peace. : Jul 24, 2011

 

Cec will be dearly missed within our Rotary Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Deepest Sympathy, Tereena Morelli & Al Buchanan
posted by Tereena Morelli : Fellow Rotarians : Jul 24, 2011

 

I am only one of the many people Cec touched and made better. I knew him through the insurance industry and through Rotary. It was an honour to know him, though I did not know him well. Just well enough to appreciate the person he was. My world is a little smaller now. Roberta
posted by Roberta Bedard : through my involvement in the insurance industry and through Rotary : Jul 24, 2011