Dennis Blackford Obituary


DENNIS "POPS" ALBERT BLACKFORD
June 29, 1923 ~ May 15, 2015


Dennis Albert Blackford of Battle Ground, WA, peacefully passed on Thursday, May 15, 2015 at the age of 91.
Dennis was born in Royal Tunbridge Wells, England. At the age of 17, he joined the RAF and by 18 he had earned his wings as a bomber pilot. The Halifax bomber which he piloted, was shot down by a JU-88 Luftwaffe twin engine aircraft over the Netherlands during a night bombing raid destined for Aachen, Germany. He parachuted down from the burning plane and was eventually discovered by the locals in the field where he had landed. From there he was taken into custody by the Germans and sent to a military prison, Stalog Luft 7 at Bankau. He was forced to march in the four month long Death March Across Germany. He survived with grit and determination. The "March" finally ended in Luckenwalde, 30 km south of Berlin. Dennis was released from the prison camp by the Russian forces after the war ended. He has written a book about his experiences as a prison camp survivor, War Time Prisoners Log. It is yet to be published.
Dennis, his wife Kathleen and two children, Christine and David Paul Blackford, emigrated to the USA in 1954, settling on the east coast where Dennis began work as a dye chemist in the leather industry; a position which eventually led him into a satisfying and successful career in sales.
In 1994, Dennis and Kathleen, moved to Battle Ground to be close to their daughter Christine Blackford, where they made many new friends.
They sang for the Touch of Class choral group in Vancouver and were active community volunteers. Dennis and his wife, traveled over much of the world during their retirement.
He is survived by his children, Christine and David Paul Blackford; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Please sign his Guest Book at
www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on May 24, 2015.
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Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Blackford

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I still think of Dennis, he was a great friend as well, as a clever, talented, and trustworthy employee.

Harold Olson

Coworker

May 18, 2020

I will miss the man who took me and my siblings on many adventures. Pop sparked my interest in science and math, which I am eternally grateful. He will be missed so much, but the memories I have will last forever. Love you Pop!

Matthew Blackford

June 10, 2015

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.

May 27, 2015

Dennis was my fathers brother , or half brother to be exact. although we live on different sides of the Atlantic we have been reasonably close families. I still live in the small part of the town where Dennis and my father were born. the house they were born in is still there. the church where Dennis and Kate were married is a couple of hundred yards from my house as is the house where they first set up home. we have visited Dennis and Kate a number of times over the years and have fond memories of them both. Dennis was a kind, gentle fun loving man. he will be remembered.

Rod Crittenden

May 27, 2015

To a dear and much loved brother-in-law of Vi ("Ugly's" mum). I pay tribute to Den, and also Kate, for cherished and treasured memories I will always hold dear. Two most kind and beautiful people: I love you both. Together at last, and nothing dies that is remembered xxxx

Vi Cutting

May 25, 2015

Remembering Uncle Den with fond memories from his visits to the UK when I was a child. As an adult, I admired him for the care and love he showed my aunt throughout her illness, and for his bravery as a pilot. Love is sent to Uncle Den's close relatives. xxxx

Helen Petley

May 25, 2015

My dear Uncle Den. What a kind, warm-hearted and genuine individual you were. I have some wonderful memories of time spent with you and Auntie Kath. I will always treasure these and impart them onto my children too. With much love as always, your English niece "Ugly"! xxxx

Helana Simmonds

May 24, 2015

Dennis, was not only a friend, we worked together for several years. His work ethic and the admiration of his colleagues was unparalleled. The service to his country during a severe time of need, was of the bravest and distinguished ever required of a man. Dennis will be missed by all.

Harold R. Olson

May 24, 2015

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