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David Lang posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
I was so saddened to hear the news of Johns passing. I first met John at the ripe old age of 14, his son Harry and I were visiting New York for the first time. The city was big and scary and very intimidating until I met this tall incredibly handsome man wearing a sear sucker suit and holding a big old cigar, my fear of the city went away when I knew this man was on our side. I know John was playing with us, but he was consistently getting in rants and raves with cab drivers and other unruly civilians, I could not believe my eyes, I was clearly with the toughest guy in New York! The man had an attitude I had never seen before, and it was addicting to be around. The beauty of it all was every time some very exciting event happened John would gives a quick glimpse to see our reaction followed with a very naughty smile, I often felt like he was a kid in a mans body. I think at times Harry felt the same, often wondering who really is the dad in this relationship. John was a kid at heart and soon became a hero to me, I wanted to be just like him cooler than cool. As I got to know John in adulthood, I soon discovered under that macho exterior was a very kind and sweet and considerate man. No doubt he was a guy's guy, but he had a ton of class to go with it. Very few people had the effect on me that John did, he was the last of a dying breed, the kind of people our country so lacks today. Thank you John for being what you were and never wavering from it, I know you are in Heaven today most probably working it out with those New York cabbies. Love you Man....Rest In Peace. Dave Lang and Family.
"Those who Follow all the Rule Miss all the Fun" Kate Hepburn
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André Dimitrijevic posted a condolence
Sunday, December 18, 2022
So sorry to hear about John's passing. I was with Saskatchewan Intergovernmental Affairs when I first met him. At the time he was the consul general in Minneapolis. We kept in touch over the years and I saw him more often when we moved to Winnipeg. He was larger than life and always a pleasure to be with.
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Linda Campbell-Holden posted a condolence
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Our heartfelt condolences to the Blackwood family.
It was because of ‘J.B.’ and tennis that our 2 families were introduced 55 years ago - a relationship that has continued and grown stronger over the years.
Memories of ‘discussions’ and tall tales shared over libations on the decks at both Clear Lake and the Gulf Islands always bring a chuckle to mind. John was a charismatic & entertaining personality and one always left each meeting having been offered a new perspective on the ‘topic of the day’. With that thought, we raise a glass to John’s memory and say “Cheers to a life well lived”. the Campbell Clan
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Michael Alexander posted a condolence
Saturday, December 17, 2022
I had the privilege (and the enjoyment) of working with John when he was my Consul General at the Congen in Minneapolis in 1987/88.
He arrived as a Hurricane of curiosity and determination to shake things up, always looking for the better way to get things done. He embodied the whole notion of "continuous improvement" long before it became a Bay Street mantra.
I remember John as a vivid personality who's charisma, forthright expression and outrageous charm was a wonder to behold. I felt deeply indebted to him for his support of my Program at Post, and for his guidance on navigating the often rocky shoals in dealings with Ottawa H.Q.
I know he went far beyond the usual niceties in going to bat on my behalf at a time in my career when I was confronted with an unusual posting path filled with challenge and uncertainty. For that, I have always remembered John with affection and respect. And while I am saddened to hear of his passing, I can celebrate his career, his accomplishments and his humanity.
With sincere condolences,
Michael Alexander
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Gordon Ritchie posted a condolence
Saturday, December 17, 2022
John was an original. A great public servant and a better friend. I worked with him for many years, notably when he headed the Ontario region as an assistant deputy minister in the department of regional industrial expansion and then as the federal economic coordinator for Manitoba based in Winnipeg. He then came back to Ottawa as the Government of Manitoba's representative. During that period, we played many rounds of golf at the Camelot Golf and Country Club and on trips abroad where his escapades were the stuff of legend. He was a natural athlete and a fierce competitor. He also had a sense of humour: he once presented me with a putter, reshafted, he had somehow retrieved from high in a tree where I had tossed it in disgust.
Perhaps his most famous moment as a trade commissioner came when he accompanied his Minister, Jean Chrétien, on a trip through South America. Chrétien and his party were presented with so many gifts the government plane was overloaded. As it took off, John could be seen standing on the runway giving the Minister the finger having been left behind to lighten the load.
He had a somewhat unusual family history but he was proud of his children. As a keen tennis player, he boasted about his daughter, Marjorie, one of Canada's finest tennis players, but when she went on the Senior tour (for players over 30) his pride was mixed with bemusement at the thought that he could be old enough to be her father.
My last exchange with John came several years back when I answered the phone to hear a long pause and then his unmistakable voice announcing "Three." He had just notched up another hole-in-one and wanted me to know.
He will be remembered with great affection.
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Terry O’Connor posted a condolence
Saturday, December 17, 2022
My sincere condolences to the family of John Blackwood. I worked with John at the Canadian Consulate General in New York during the seventies. I remember John as a caring and popular workmate who I am certain will be missed by many. Terry O’Connor Kanata,ON
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Leo Duguay posted a condolence
Saturday, December 17, 2022
John was a friend to our family forever. Our daughters Toni and Tari worked for him at the MB office in Ottawa. Charlette and I spent many memorable hours over a beer or 2 at Camelot. I will miss his late night calls sometimes after a cocktail or 2
One of the most precious was a late night call where he kept saying "One" over and over until I recognized his voice and got to cheer his hole in 1. John was a character but a wonderful presence in our lives
Gratious and generous to a fault
Our fondest memories of wonderful happy times spent with him ensure a place in our heart forever
His contribution to Government in Canada deserve a special mention
He was an outstanding civil servant.
We will miss him
Our best wishes to the family.
Leo Charlette Toni and Tari.
Brian McVicar posted a condolence
Saturday, December 17, 2022
I was introduced to John through his tennis buddy Roy White up at Clear Lake. Talk about characters.Your obit captures him perfectly.
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Yolande Franzmann lit a candle
Saturday, December 17, 2022
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Harry, Vicki, Ben and John,
We are so very sorry for your loss. May your memories of your dad and grandpa comfort you during this difficult time of mourning. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Xo
Paul and Yolande
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Debbi Bowes posted a condolence
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Marjorie and Harry, we had a lot of fun growing up as two families. I will never forget the robustness of your Dad, nor the gentle nature of your Mom. Please accept my deepest condolences at this sad time. Debbi Bowes (Miner)
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Nancy Ann Gilchrist posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Hi Madge. I just found out from my sister Jean of your father's death. My condolences to you and Harry. One match your dad and I watched you play as we sat at the top of the hill and I was wearing the "Beast's Hat" (Greg Lee's leather hat) and when your dad put it on, it found its new head. You won the match. Many memories Madge. Your dad was a beauty and always fun and kind. I can go on and on. Let' talk soon. NAG.
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Gayle Green posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
What a great picture of you and your father you posted on Facebook Marjorie. Keep those memories of all those wonderful young days. He will be dearly missed by Hank and I as we loved to differ with him on all sorts of political issues. I still have some of his vodka here. Here’s to John.
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Marjorie uploaded photo(s)
Monday, December 12, 2022
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Affectionately know as Grumpa for a good reason. But he loved his nephews Ben and John
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Marjorie lit a candle
Monday, December 12, 2022
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Will miss you forever Dad. This pink candle reminds me of the time our golf rules were that any three putt meant you had to tee off with a pink ladies golf ball on next hole. You had a lot of 3-putts that day... and all of Big Sky Golf Course in Pemberton, BC learned a few new expletives:)
A Memorial Tree was planted for JOHN DOUGLAS BLACKWOOD
Monday, December 12, 2022
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at 1442 Main Street Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of JOHN DOUGLAS BLACKWOOD uploaded a photo
Monday, December 12, 2022
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