Gary Blackmore, 75, of Williamsburg, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones on November 10, 2013. He was born on August 17, 1938, the son of Cecil and Lorraine (Boyce) Blackmore.
Gary graduated from Flushing High School and then entered into the U.S. Army. He married the love of his life, Sandy Santerre on May 16, 1959. He joined his father working for the family insurance business and later founded Blackmore-Rowe Insurance Agency. After many years of dedicated work, Gary retired in 1987 and spent his winters in Islamorada, FL. He was one of the first members of the Flushing Golf Club, and served as the Mayor of Flushing, MI. In addition, Gary was the president of the Jaycees, Flushing MI, and was a trustee at the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids. He was also a member of the Traverse City Elks Club and the Elk Rapids AMVETS Post 114.
Gary is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sandy, sons Randy Blackmore and Mark (Ronnie) Blackmore, grandchildren Christopher Libera, Chelsea Blackmore, Austin Blackmore, Taylor Blackmore, Tia Blackmore, and Gary Tanner Blackmore, and brothers Byron, Neil, and David Blackmore. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 from 2 to 4pm, and 6 to 8pm at Covell Funeral Home in Elk Rapids. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 11 am, with visitation one hour prior at the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids. Memorial Contributions may be directed to Munson Hospice or the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids. Please Share your fond memories and condolences at www.covellelkrapids.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 24, 2013
Rick Hirt
Gary, What a good guy, friend and neighbor. I am going to miss you, especially on parade day. GODSPEED POPPY.
November 21, 2013
Susan Hirt
Dear Poppy - It has taken me a few days to compose myself enough to thank you for your friendship these last several years. You made our lives fuller just by being a part of them. Your kindness, sense of humor, smile, laughter and zest for life were contagious. I thought of you as a surrogate grandpa and am going to miss you immensely! They say a life well lived is a gift and you dear man lived life to the fullest. What a wonderful legacy to leave to your loved ones. Now that you are in heaven free of all your pain and suffering, may you rest in peace. Love, Susan Hirt
November 16, 2013
Rob Mercer
Sorry for your loss.So many memories.Truly a great loss.
November 14, 2013
Kathryn (Costick) Armstrong
The world has lost a true legend. Although many years have passed, I have such fond memories of my family's time with the Blackmore's... the beautiful home in Flushing, times spent swimming, camping and riding snowmobiles, and many holiday parties together. I was always in awe of Mr. Blackmore's charisma ... his booming voice and laughter, the smell of his cigar, and how when he entered a room, you just knew it! His, it seemed to me (and as evidenced by these amazing photos), was a life well-lived -- always with his priorities right; family first. Heaven is a whole lot better now that the true "life of the party" has arrived. To you, Mrs. Blackmore, Randy and Mark, my deepest sympathy and love ...
November 13, 2013
Jo Ann Zitterkopf
Sandy & family.....I am so sorry for your loss. What a great life and one well lived filled with family, love and friends. I know you will miss him but don't think of him as gone.....just gone ahead.
November 12, 2013
Lynnette Peppler
Sandy & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May the love of family and friends bring comfort and peace.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
November 11, 2013
mark blackmore
Love you Dad!
Mark
November 11, 2013
Gary and I were friends for over 60 years and he was a big part of my life and I will miss him terribly. May he rest in peace. I will always have a special place in my heart for him. May god bless you my long time friend. Love ya
November 11, 2013
Sandy & Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Gary was such an upbeat person.
Grace & Skip hancock
Elk Rapids
November 11, 2013
Kathleen Faught
Mr Blackmore was a kind man. As a child in Flushing,MI I loved his big laugh and the smell of his tobacco.
May the LORD grant you His peace.
Kathy Faught
November 11, 2013
Carey Carlson
He was a lovely man who created a beautiful family in 54 years of marriage to Sandy. Kind and sweet with a quick sense of humor that called em like he saw em. His wit, honesty and kindness will be missed by all who knew him.
Carey Carlson, Elk Rapids, MI
November 11, 2013
Ric McNally
This world has lost and Heaven has gained a fun, caring guy. Gary and Sandy and my parents (Dick and Shirley McNally) had great times together. Our thoughts go out to his many friends and our prayers to his family. Godspeed, Gary.
November 10, 2013
Bill Smith
So sorry to hear about Gary's passing. I have lots of memories of Gary and Sandy and the great times we had together snowmobiling in the UP, Christmas parties at that very cool home in Flushing and fishing in the big lake. I will always remember Gary and his help and advice during my insurance career, I was very fortunate to have him as a friend and mentor.
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Funeral services provided by:
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel312 Pine Street, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
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