Thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Vivian Romero
The world has lost a great person and influence. I was a student of his in the masters program at CSHayward in the early 80s...he helped frame my perspective, my confidence and my drive as an educator. My thoughts are with the family as you celebrate the life and influence of Bob. May the memories keep you smiling.
Leslie Anderson
Bob was a good, kind and great man, like his father before him. He will be missed. Stan and Barb Delahoyde
Dr. Bob was my cohort leader for both Tier 1 and Tier 2. I learned a lot from his guidance and enjoyed his visits to my school. We became friends who highly respected one another, and I was honored to have him serve on my doctoral dissertation committee and have him speak at my retirement celebration. I shall miss him greatly.
Shortly after we met,Bob-dad took me for a drive and told me that he knew I'd never really had a father. That he would be pleased to be there for me for advice or perspective, to check out potential boyfriends, and if I got married, he would be honoured to stand in for father of the bride. He was kind, funny, and made all things seem possible.
I consider my self to have been lucky to have met Bob Blackburn at several education meetings. He always made me feel that I was as important at anyone else in the room. I was inspired by both Marcus Foster and Bob Blackburn in my career and studies as an educator in Oakland. Another educator used the term "self-effacing" in remembering Bob Blackburn. Fits my recollection of the man.
Sammy and Chris, my heart goes out to you! I spoke with Barbara this morning after reading the Chronicle. How rich my life has become since I moved to California 38 years ago with the ongoing support of your family. I will miss your dad's wisdom, wit and if he'd find another word to finish this with!
Dr. Blackburn was an incredible teacher. I was lucky enough to participate in his program at Cal State Hayward in the 1980's. He inspired me and so many others to be " bold and socially responsible". We have lost a great man but we are so lucky that his work will continue through his students.
It is hard to put into words what Bob meant to me and so many other students who were touched by his brilliance, humor, and sense of human justice. He was a fascinating, inspiring educator who will be greatly missed. He was literally one of a kind!
I worked in the Educational Leadership department office at CSU Hayward before the name change. Bob (Dr. Blackburn) has retired but would stop in to visit sometimes and chat. I remember him well, he was always so jovial and upbeat. I enjoyed our chats and admired his wit and wisdom. He made a lastly impression. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Serena Russell
I will miss Bob very, very much, as I’m sure is true for countless others. I knew Bob for over 30 years—I learned much from him and am very aware of some of the many ways that he touched the lives of others—through not only his wisdom and commitment to social justice, but through his unparalleled sense of humor and respect for and appreciation of others. Bob knew how to live life fully, and I know I have lived my life better because of my good fortune to have been closely associated with Bob for so many years.
I was a student of Bob Blackburn in 1983-84 studying to become a school administrator. Our leadership cohort of 20 administrator hopefuls would meet with Bob for 3-4 hours for class every Wednesday night often after our long workdays at the school site. Bob made it totally worth it! We all looked forward to class because of Bob. His wisdom, sage advice, and incredible sense of humor influenced me more than anyone else in my educational career. I am saddened by his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and the rest of the family.
Bob and Barbara Blackburn were my late husband's best friends since their college days together. They are wonderful, generous people who devoted their lives to great public education and doing good in the world.
Bob and Barbara helped me and Michael's daughters immensely during the time Michael was hospitalized and after his untimely death, and we are very grateful.
I served on the Marcus Foster Board for many years with Bob and knew him a bit before that. When I was asked to serve, he is one of the reasons I said yes. He was a fascinating man. We shared common military school upbringing which created an immediate bond. His sense of humor, dedication to the children of Oakland and basic goodness were unmatched. He will be missed!
Bob Blackburn served as my mentor throughout my years working as a school administrator and even after as I worked post-retirement as an education consultant. He was that rare person who always conveyed his belief in my contributions. His amazing interpersonal skills made everyone he touched feel as if he was your best ally to face any and all obstacles. Love to Bob's family!
I fondly remember hundreds of hours jogging on the fire trails with Bob and dogs, always enjoying Bob's countless stories and outlook on life. I will never forget Bob's wry smile and that incredible sense of humor! Our prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to Barbara, Sam, Chris, and Maya. Much love, John & Bonnie McManis
What a jewel! His gentle nature, genuine laughter and fun, knowledge, and humanity have graced the earth. I was an Oakland elementary teacher. As our Oakland Assistant Sup. and Superintendent he was like no other! fair-.minded and a model of good leadership, a shining light. Much love, Virginia Dobbins
Bob Blackburn changed my life. I'm sure that virtually all of the tributes will say something like this. I remember sitting in my office when I was principal at Fremont HS, one of the secretaries came to my door, and with a worried look and voice, she said, "There's a man outside to see you u who says he is your mother...". In an instant, I knew it was Bob.
My contact with Bob was in Somalia in East Africa, where he was an outstanding Country Director for the Peace Corps in the late 1960s. Somalia was a difficult country, but Bob's support of the Volunteers was so effective that his was the first Peace Corps program in Africa where every Volunteer stayed to finish his or her two years of service.
A light has gone out in this world. What a beautiful heart and soul. His mind and understanding of the human spirit will be missed.
Having just learned of Bob's death, I wish to send my condolences to Barbara and children. It was a pleasure to know Bob and his family as neighbors on Waverly Street in Philadelphia in 1960's and enjoying a vacation with them at Fenwich Island, Delaware.
Sincerely, Rick Knox, 511 E. Roumfort Road, Phila PA
