HUDSON FALLS- Robert James Blackburn, (“Bob”) 81, of Meadow Road, passed away quietly at his home attended by his loving wife Helen on Sunday, October 10, 2021.
Born on May 26, 1940, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late James and Viola West Blackburn, and is preceded in death by his sister Patricia (Blackburn) Bates and stepbrother James Blackburn.
Bob was a 1958 graduate of South Glens Falls Central High School, further continuing his education at Albany College of Pharmacy, graduating in 1963. On November 27, 1965, Bob married Helen Chicoine in beautiful Falmouth Massachusetts (on Cape Cod), and they have been married for 56 years.
Throughout his career, Bob was in demand and worked for many pharmacies including Kinney Rexall Drugs in Carthage, Watertown, and Potsdam NY. Upon moving back to this area, he became Supervising Pharmacist at Hometown Pharmacy in Glens Falls and also worked at Wilton Developmental Center. For 51 years Bob also worked both full and part time for McCann’s Pharmacy in Hudson Falls.
For over 25 years Robert was an adjunct faculty member at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Care Services, where he was three times voted “Preceptor of the Year” by students. He proudly served as President of Warren, Washington and Saratoga County Pharmaceutical Society shortly before his retirement from Glens Falls Hospital Pharmacy. His passion was his profession, and he was beloved and respected by colleagues and patients alike.
Through his professionalism, dedication fellowship and compassion, Bob was able to help countless people, a driving passion of his. Bob was a great believer in physical fitness, often cycling back and forth from Lake George to the Racquet Club where he lifted weights. A favorite pastime was navigating his boat the “Preceptor” on the lake which he knew and loved so well. Bob was an avid reader, savoring the works of Hemingway and Steinbeck, had a dry wit, enjoyed the music of Patsy Cline and classic Broadway musicals and never met a dessert he didn’t like. He was always curious about everything and interested in learning new things about technology and gadgets. He will be sorely missed by many.
Survivors include his wife, Helen Blackburn of Hudson Falls; his children Heather Blackburn of Portland, Oregon and Robert Edward Blackburn of Los Angeles, California.
A small Celebration of Life service may be scheduled at some point in Spring/Summer of 2022.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in memory of Bob Blackburn to one his many favorite charity organizations including To the Himalayas with Love (https://www.himalayaswithlove.org/), the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (https://lls.org/) and High Peaks Hospice (545 Glen Street, Glens Falls NY 12801), which provided great comfort.
RIP Bob. It was always a pleasure working with you! I considered you to be the ultimate gentleman! Condolences to you family.
RIP Bob…I so enjoyed knowing you. All the love to you dear Helen, Heather and Rob.
Thank you so much Justin.It is difficult to adjust ,but I have many great friends and with prayers it helps knowing I am never alone .We had a wonderful life with our wonderful children . Thank you Justin. Love helen
I had worked with Bob many years ago and the experience was indelible. A man with a type-A personality, great humor, an interest in practical jokes, a real interest in his work, a people person-that’s a lot of what pharmacy used to be. When he interviewed for Glens Falls Hospital he took along a resume which I had written for him. I wrote it with mixed feelings @ losing a cherished colleague. A blog could be written of Bob’s anecdotes.
May Helen & the family know the peace of God at Bob’s absence.
Blackburn family,
Very sorry for your loss, Bob was always a good friend to our family our thoughts are with you.
The Bennett family
Helen,
I was very sorry to read of your husband’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I am also remembering the many musical musical moments we shared years ago!
Janet Wood
Helen … I was very sorry to read of your husband’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family. I am also remembering the many happy, musical moments we shared many years ago.
Janet Wood
The world lost a wonderful man. The wisdom he shared was instrumental & he pulled no punches. His dry wit well remembered. I am so proud to have known this man. I’m so sorry for your loss. Rest easy Bob. .
Thank you much for your wonderful comments about bob. He was never one to toot his own horn,but he loved helping people in so many ways. We all lost a great friend,husband and father.
Thank you so much for your wonderful comments about “bob”. He was never to toot his own horn,but he loved helping people in so many ways.We all lost a great friend,husband and father.helen
We all lost a wonderful caring man,our family was blessed to know our husband and father.Thank for your caring and wonderful comments.helen