BLACKER, Randall
Posted: September 4th, 2019
Randall Frank Dennis Blacker
1953 – 2019
With deep sadness we announce the passing of “Randy” Blacker, at St. Michael’s Health Care Centre on August 29, 2019, at the age of 65 years following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Randy is survived by his brothers Richard (Loreen) and Norman (Tina); sister-in-law Doreve, and numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents James and Doris (Batsford) Blacker and brother Don.
Randy was born and raised in Lethbridge. After high school he graduated from NAIT Civil Engineering Program. He was employed by Alberta Transportation as a project manager, responsible for building and maintaining roadways and highways in Southern Alberta. When that job was privatized, he continued with Torchinsky Engineering until illness forced him to quit.
Randy was a quiet humble fellow with a heart of gold, willing to literally “give the shirt off his back”. Randy enjoyed golfing for many years before health concerns curtailed his play, but he still managed to follow sports closely, particularly hockey and football. He was a passionate supporter of the Montreal Canadiens and Minnesota Vikings, attending many of their games. His memory of statistics relating to sports teams and athletes was amazing.
He was a talented, generous man, very independent, who shunned the spotlight, preferring to direct the attention to others. His positive attitude was especially notable considering the ongoing health struggles he encountered. His humorous stories of “everyday life” that he wrote on the computer using one finger, were always a delight to whoever read them.
At Randy’s request, his body was donated to further research for Parkinson’s Disease. He was a patient of Deep Brain Stimulation for 16 years providing data to neurology research.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Michael’s Health Centre for the years of care they so dedicatedly provided. Randy asked for no funeral service.
In memory of Randy, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Association of Alberta, #120 6835 Railway Street SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2H 2V6.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.