Geoffrey Newton Blow

1949 - 2015

Geoffrey Newton Blow obituary, 1949-2015, Ann Arbor, MI

BORN

1949

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Muehlig Funeral Chapel

403 South Fourth Ave

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Geoffrey Blow Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 28, 2015.

Geoffrey Newton Blow "Geoff" unexpectedly passed away Monday September 28th, 2015 at his home. He is survived by wife Nancy and her brother Bill Mills, daughter Kari and husband Sam, son Geoffrey, grandchildren Sammy and Maddy, brother Jim, niece Lisa and husband Larry, great nephews Christopher, Richard, and James. He was preceded in death by father James Fredrick Blow, mother Alma Tufts Blow, and sister Katie Kaplan.

Geoff was born in Ravenna Ohio, lived in Euclid Ohio as a young child, and moved to Ann Arbor Michigan when he was in 5th grade. After graduating from Ann Arbor High School, and attending Central Michigan University, he joined the United States Air Force in February of 1969. After being honorably discharged he returned to Ann Arbor where he met Nancy Mills, whom he married in 1975. The births of his children Kari and Geoffrey brought him great joy and pride throughout his life. He spent most of his professional life as owner and operator of GB Sports Services, right up until his death.

Geoff loved sports, whether he was playing, watching, coaching, or being involved in any way possible. His love for baseball was instilled in him as a young boy through his father, little league, and neighborhood pick up games. It stayed with him beyond his playing days, and evolved into coaching and umpiring through much of his adult life. Umpiring took him to Cooperstown NY, which is home to the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was also able to fulfill a long time dream of visiting the Field of Dreams in Iowa this past summer. He loved and lived baseball until the day he passed away.

After moving to Ann Arbor, he also discovered a great passion for hockey. His time on the ice was spent between the pipes. His focus shifted from not only playing, but also to being a coach and referee.

Geoff played tennis in High School, which was the catalyst that turned his passions into his profession. He began stringing tennis rackets, and perfected his skills to the point where he was selected to string in New York for the US Open. He then expanded this business to incorporate his hockey passion which brought his business to where it is today.

Cars and auto-sports were other passions of Geoff's. In his younger years he competed in Rally races, and moved to Autocross later in life. This passion blossomed into a love for motorcycles. He rode his bike, rain or shine, warm or cold all year long. He simply loved the feeling of the open road. This past summer, he realized a long awaited dream of riding his motorcycle to Alaska.

Geoff was a passionate person who loved living out his dreams. His many passions led him to impact the lives of so many people throughout his life. He always wanted to be the best at what he did, whether it was work or play, and he encouraged others to strive for the same. He will be loved and remembered by many. Memorial to be held October 25, 2015 2:00 pm at The First Congregational Church in Ann Arbor, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

May 26, 2016

Eric and Krysten Smith

Geoff, You were always there to help out a friend with all the blades either myself, Krysten, Brendyn, or Derick would bring in. We're saddened that only today we were made aware of your passing. Hockey has taken our boys to different parts of the world the past few years, but you were always the best!
Eric and Krysten Smith

October 27, 2015

Joey Barlett

Geoff was the only skate sharpener in the area that I trusted to sharpen my skates while I grew up playing hockey. When I was younger I would go into the hockey shop with my mom or dad and would just sit and listen to them talk to Geoff about anything and everything. He was so easy to talk to and would always ask questions about what I was doing or how hockey was going because he truly cared. As I got older I began working at Advantage Sport and was able to see Geoff and have these conversations with him more often. I always enjoyed when Geoff would walk up to the front register area and say "hey Joe, how's it going?" and we'd talk about our usual topics of cars, motorcycles, hockey, baseball. Geoff always cared about how others were doing, and that's something hard to come by nowadays. I will miss these moments with Geoff.

October 24, 2015

John & Margaret Marr

We are saddened by Geoff's passing. Our condolences to his family and friends.

October 23, 2015

Nancy, Jim, Kari and Geoffrey,
Losing Geoff so suddenly sends a shock through the entire community. So many people were truly touched by him, his humor, his never ending enthusiasm, his multiple skills and his perfectionism in everything he did. I first knew him when I was quite young in the church youth group, continued growing up around him when he was perfecting his drafting skills at my fathers engineering firm, took some interesting car rides in an AMC racer with him, was at your wedding... and continued to come away from every contact with him feeling....well, good!
He always had the ability to make those around him smile! Truly a gifted person on so many levels. He will be missed for so many reasons.
Jim Adams
Dexter

October 13, 2015

Dear Nancy, Jim and family
We are so sorry to hear the sad new of your loss of Geoff. Our prayers continue to hopefully bring you strength during this difficult time.
Geoff was a wonderful, dedicated, and enthusiastic goalie coach for our son, Joe, and we enjoyed those years on the ice
Take good care of yourselves
With sincere sympathy, Kevin & Lauire Wicks

October 11, 2015

Michael Wilson

Jim,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Please know you'll be in my thoughts and ptayers.

October 8, 2015

Tommy Dobson

Nancy, Kari, Geoff & Jim,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Geoff's passing. He was a special person and will be missed by many whose lives he touched over these many years in the greater Ann Arbor area. May you all find comfort in the memories you each have.

October 7, 2015

Dear Blow Family:
My heartfelt condolences.

October 7, 2015

Gregg Fay

I coached the Adrian Legion baseball team with Geoff for many years and it was truly a pleasure to be in his company. As it ended up I was also a motorcycle guy and we talked about both baseball and bikes during all the times we were travelling around the country going to tournaments. He always made it a good time.
So sorry for your loss and we all will miss him.

October 7, 2015

Jane Bridges

I am so sorry for your loss.

October 7, 2015

Howard Scheps

Dear Nancy,
Denise and I were deeply saddened to hear about Geoff's passing. Although neither of us knew him, we both can say unequivocally that he must have been a wonderful person because you chose him to be your husband.

Our thoughts will be with you during your time of mourning. Peace be with you,

October 4, 2015

AMERICAN LEGION, Ann Arbor Post 46

Geoffrey, "Thank You" for serving our country and the Legion, we will miss you.

October 4, 2015

Brian Gibson

My deepest condolences to the family. Alway enjoyed talking with Geoff about hockey and youth sports. Valued his opinion and insight. Had a big impact on youth and local high school sports. Will be missed by many!

October 4, 2015

Dear Nancy and family-
So sorry for your loss. Geoff was so kind and genuine. You are in are thoughts and prayers. God bless Geoff.
Kathleen and Jeff Daniels

October 3, 2015

Dottie Birkhead

Dearest Nancy, Kari, Geoffery and Jim,
I frist met Geoff at church in youth group. We had many fine events including canoeing on the Huron River! He was a good man, with a big heart ! May you all find peace in the Lord at this time. Life does not always make sence, and neither does death. May he rest in peace with the Lord! Love you!!

October 3, 2015

Rose (Kozminski)Rehbein

Geoff and I were friends at Pioneer High School. One of the nicest people anyone could ever meet. My deepest condolences to his entire family.

October 2, 2015

Grew up in the late 1950's on East Park Place right around the corner from Geoff and Jim Blow. What wonderful memories of the Blow boys and all the others - Rusty Frank, PG Wilson, Ken Westerman, Lou Velker and so many others. May our good and gracious God bless the memory of Geoff forever.

Stephen Hankamp

October 2, 2015

Kippy Pritula

Nancy,
Trust that your many wonderful memories of Geoff will help you in this time of difficult sorrow. He was one of a kind, so genuine, a very special person who I always enjoyed talking with at the rink or elsewhere. He always had a smile on his face, was quick with a laugh, lots of optimism no matter the subject. With deep sympathy, Kippy

October 2, 2015

Perry Wilson

Geoff and I were in 6th grade together at Burns Park, we also played hockey together. Geoff will be missed by many from Ann Arbor. Nancy my prayers are with you and the family

October 2, 2015

Paul Helber

I will miss Geoff a great deal.....He was my friend for nearly 50 years.....A sad day for his family and hundreds of friends

October 2, 2015

Scott Schmunk

My thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy and your entire family. Having spent so much time with Geoff over the past 5 years I was truly blessed to have gotten to know him. Not only as a skate sharpening guru, but also as a friend. I will miss our early morning chats about family, hockey, baseball, coaching and what ever else might be the topic of the day. He had a knack of making bad things seem not so bad and good things seem absolutely great. Most of all I will now remember Geoff for the mark he left on my children. He never coached them, but both of them thought of him as a coach and friend. Rest in peace Geoff we are all better off for having known you.

October 1, 2015

"Nancy and family, my sympathy to you all. Many Blessings from Heaven above.
Joseph Rutherford had highly respect for Geoff, being his hockey goalie coach.
Had great times...loved every minute of it, and laughter. Geoff will be missed."

Karen Rutherford (Brad) (Ann Arbor, MI)

October 1, 2015

John Bertz

Very sad to hear about Geoff's sudden passing. My deepest sympathy to Nancy and the children. Geoff, you left us much to early. God Bless your family.

October 1, 2015

Dan Sheridan

Such sad news! Our deepest sympathies to your entire family.

I liked Geoff very much. He was one of the first people I met when we moved to the area in 2007. Gerry Navarre recommended Geoff to sharpen my skates. It was the right call.

Geoff was a friend to my sons and I ever since then, by way of his skate sharpening business. What an expert technician he was. And he always had time for a chat when we stopped by. We will miss Geoff very much.

October 1, 2015

Marg Spaly

Dear Nancy - I am so sorry to read about Geoff. He was always such a solid, friendly guy. My heart goes out to you, Kari and Geoff. May you find comfort in all your wonderful memories. Fond regards, Marg Spaly

October 1, 2015

Tom Sorensen

Deepest condolences to the family. Spent many a visit to the skate shop talking to Geoff about everything from our families, motorcycles, both of our bum backs and Asthma and anything related to hockey. Regretful that I didn't stop in and say hi the last time I drove by and saw his bike outside but will always remember him as a caring individual and friend.

October 1, 2015

Paul Krolik

He was a special friend to me and always a guy that would help you out with a smile. Skate repair to Sharpening, I will truly miss his smile, laugh, and general kindness he brought to the world and to my life.

October 1, 2015

John Winkelseth

Goodbye Geoff. Words cannot do justice to the man you were, to the influence you had on others, to the good and simple man you were. I feel truly fortunate to have known and worked with you. Deepest sympathies to Nancy, Kari, and Geoff.
Rest easy my friend.....

October 1, 2015

Jim,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

The Apleys

October 1, 2015

Jim,
sending sincerest sympathies to you and yours

Sharon Banker Terry
Class of 1969

October 1, 2015

Susie Stachnik

Sending prayers of strength, love, and peace during this time to you all. So very sorry for your loss.

September 30, 2015

Geoff was an awesome role model at all levels, and especially hockey. Having played hockey with Geoff and against him over the past forty or so years, I feel honored to have known him. He always made you feel that he was genuinely glad to see you, and was more than willing to share many local hockey stories. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Tony Bonino

September 30, 2015

Fritz Curtis

So long good friend. Keep smiling that friendly smile that was your trademark. You will be sorely missed!
Fritz Member BMWTCD

September 30, 2015

Autumn & Bob Cline

Kari,

Our God will wrap His loving arms around all of you and carry you through this time. We are praying for you and your entire family to know the Lord's peace that surpasses all understanding. John 14:27

September 30, 2015

Richard Reinholt

He was a real special coach and friend of many young hockey players. He was always there for them when they needed him. He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace Geoff.

September 30, 2015

David Martin

Please accept my condolences on Geoff's passing. David L. Martin - BMW Touring Club of Detroit.

September 30, 2015

Pam Blakeley

Geoff was a cherished motorcycle friend. I'll miss his cheerfulness, (even when his first trip to AK was dashed), his boyish excitement when he did make his Alaska trip this summer, and all the trips & rides in between. Most of all, I will miss you, Geoff, for your kind, gentle, good natured and ever present sense of humour. You are missed

September 30, 2015

Pam Gonzales

Nancy and family,
I was so saddened to hear of Geoff's sudden passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

September 30, 2015

Margaret L Ross

Geoff was a good friend of our son Ron Ross. We are so sorry for this loss to your family.

September 30, 2015

Roger Dick

To the family of Geoff Blow,
There are no words to take away the pain of your loss. Just know we care and that you do have our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts turn to you at this most difficult time.

I too met Geoff through hockey. During that time we shared lots of stories and enjoyed lots of laughs. The time in the locker room was the time spent to get to know team mates in a personal way. At the time we were competitors and tried our best to win each game. However, as time passed, the real benefit has become the friendship which developed and which has lasted all these years. I will always be grateful for Geoff being part of that experience for me.

During those times I found Geoff to be a loyal friend with a sense of humor and genuine love for others. If you wanted help or encouragement Geoff was always there. If you were down, Geoff had the smile to bring you back. He placed team above individual accomplishment, an indicator of how he lived his life by putting others before himself.

Win or lose on the ice really doesn't matter now but our friendship sure does. I will always treasure the time I spent with Geoff and the values of life that he demonstrated each day.

September 29, 2015

Kary Miller

Just heard the news and we are so shocked and saddened. I loved going in to get my boys skates sharpened so that I could hear about his motorcycle stories. He always asked about all my sons and always had stories to tell me about my husbands hockey days. He was the best and will be so missed. Our thoughts and racers are with you all. Kary Miller and Family (Dexter, Mich.)

September 29, 2015

Linda Mccraw

Carrie, so sorry about your dad. May God surround you and the family with His peace and love.

September 29, 2015

Andrew Annala

Geoff was an awesome guy to talk to about advice with me for almost 20 years that i knew him. Best skate sharpener i knew. He will be missed.

September 29, 2015

Glenn Miller

I played hockey with Geoff and knew him for over 30 years. A real shock to hear this!
glenn miller

Showing 1 - 44 of 44 results

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