Robert G. Blackwood

Robert Gerald Blackwood, "Bob" was born on December 21, 1938, in Maywood, California, to Oscar and Esther Blackwood. Shortly after, the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Bob's parents divorced very early in his life and though divorce is always a very painful and difficult situation, this was back in the late 30's which presented a unique set of challenges. Bob's early childhood was turbulent, spent transitioning from one relative's home to another. As you can imagine, this created a deep longing in Bob for stable, close family relationships.

Eventually, Bob's dad married Claire Baldonado, and Bob was finally able to live with his dad and the step-mom Bob adored.

Bob was in high school when he first heard the gospel message of Jesus Christ. He eagerly accepted Jesus Christ as his own Lord and Savior and was excited to share this good news with his dad and step-mom. In Bob's zeal to let his family know they could be delivered from the death sentence that awaits all mankind apart from Jesus Christ, his step-mom was upset and frightened that Bob had gone crazy. Bob's dad asked him to renounce his faith… or move out of their home. That evening, Bob walked out of his home with a cardboard box containing a few of his belongings.

Thus began Bob's journey of faith and walk with God, learning that His Heavenly Father would never leave him, never turn His back on him, and would always supply his every need. As Bob was reeling from these events and learning to trust Jesus Christ with every aspect of his life, God graciously brought Wanda Meadows into his life. Very quickly, Bob and Wanda fell in love at the tender age of 17, and shortly after high school, they were married.

As deep as the pain went over Bob's earlier home life had been, God raised the joy level for Bob's new home life with Wanda as they thoroughly loved life together for the next 60 1/2 years. Bob was the proud dad of four children: Dan, Debbie, Steve, and Barb. Although he did not have a good example in his earthly father, Bob looked to his Heavenly Father for his example in parenting his children.

Bob worked for Albuquerque National Bank for several years before he transitioned into the life insurance business. In 1971, both Bob and Wanda felt the Lord leading them to move the family to Aurora, Colorado, where Bob worked at People's Bank of Aurora, eventually becoming the Branch Manager. Eventually, Bob left the banking business and returned to the insurance business. Bob worked hard his entire adult life to provide for his family and be able to faithfully financially give to the work of the Lord. Bob was still working as an independent insurance broker, even after his 80th birthday in December, calling himself "semi-retired".

Bob and Wanda's entire life revolved around their desire to please their Lord and Savior in every aspect. Though they never had much money, they gave their children the priceless advantage of raising them in the fear and nurture of the Lord… worth far more than any silver or gold.

In the fall of 2017, Bob was diagnosed with a type of "pre-leukemia" and began a year-long series of chemo treatments. In the fall of 2018, Bob & his family rejoiced that God had allowed the chemo injections to be effective to the point that he had been declared "in remission".

For almost 61 years, Bob's greatest joy came from his relationship with his Lord and Savior, his precious bride, Wanda, his children and their families, his extended family (who mean the world to him!) as well as his church family who have been an incredible part of his life, some since 1971!

Bob LOVED Jesus! Bob gave all the glory to God for every success and accomplishment in his life. He believed every good and perfect gift was from above and he lived a very thankful life.

Bob LOVED life! Bob and Wanda had enjoyed a great deal traveling in their lives, visiting places such as Hong Kong, China, Canada, Brazil, Paraguay, Hawaii, Alaska, and many other places throughout the continental United States.

Bob LOVED to sing! He was the song leader in his church for MANY years and enjoyed singing in his church choir for many more! He broke out in song anytime and anywhere and always loved to make people smile!

Bob LOVED people! He never knew a stranger and was always ready to smile, reach out his hand, and ask someone how they were doing. Bob was always ready to share his life with others and always had at least one, if not several, stories that made his face brighten as he talked.

Bob was the eternal optimist; he always saw the good in everyone and was always willing to give everyone the "benefit of the doubt".

Bob LOVED Wanda! His children say he is such a wonderful example of a committed, adoring, faithful husband.

Bob LOVED the Broncos! He was no fair-weather fan but joyfully celebrated every victory, while proclaiming "We'll get 'em next time" after every loss.

On January 24th, Bob was at Wanda's side as she left this life and entered into glory. Though he rejoiced that Wanda was free from pain and suffering, his pain and suffering had just entered a new phase with an intensity that he had not experienced previously, even with all the heartache of his childhood. Though his beloved Wanda was no longer by his side, our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, made His Presence especially real to Bob, walking him through the next few weeks. Bob often mentioned that he was just taking it one step at a time, trusting God to see him through the next moments of each day.

In the early morning hours on March 2nd, Bob had a heart attack and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Though Bob said it was a minor heart attack compared to the one he had suffered two years earlier, he had other complications that led to the discovery of the return of a more aggressive form of Bob's leukemia. Our Gracious and Loving Heavenly Father used this as a vehicle to quickly usher Bob into the Glorious Presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Though so many hearts are broken and in pain at Bob's absence, there is great rejoicing that his broken heart was mended by Jesus Christ hours before Wanda's 80th birthday.

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