Tom Blackford

BLACKFORD - Tom Blackford, age 71, of Grand Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 19, 2012. Tom battled Parkinson's Disease since his diagnosis in 1994. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marian Smith and her husband, Mike Smith; and his father, Robert Blackford. Tom was born in 1940 in Grand Rapids, MI. He graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1958, and then attended Grand Rapids Junior College and Western Michigan University, where he graduated with a BA in History and Business. He began his teaching career in Kentwood High School and received his Master's degree from Michigan State University during this time. During his years of teaching he coached track and managed cross country meets. Tom enjoyed playing tennis and attending MG rallies. He became Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Valleywood Middle School for a time before coming back to East Kentwood High School as Assistant Principal before retiring after 30 years in the Kentwood Public Schools. Tom loved kids and volunteered his time with underprivileged students and others, taught youth groups and religion classes, was involved in Boy Scouts with his sons, and coached their baseball teams. Later he became involved with the Parkinson's Association of West Michigan. Surviving are his sons, Tom (Bobbie) Blackford, Jr., Matt (Marie) Blackford; his grandchildren, Tommy, Ally, Emma, Jackson; a brother, Jim (Barb) Blackford; and sister, Barb (Chuck) Tooman; many nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 23, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2750 Burton St. SE, with Rev. Tom DeYoung officiating. Entombment in Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Parkinson's Association of West Michigan or Faith Hospice. The family will greet visitors on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at: STROO FUNERAL HOME 1095 68TH ST. SE www.stroofuneralhome.com