BOMBER MEMORIAL

JOHN PATRICK BLALOCK ~ Class of 1969
December 8, 1950 - May 11, 2025



John Patrick Blalock, 74, of Spokane, WA, passed away on May 11, 2025, following a tragic motorcycle accident. Born on December 8, 1950, in Richland, WA, John lived fully and followed his own path with vigor, strength, and humor. He had a gentle spirit, a quick wit, and a deep love of nature.

He is survived by his children, Adam Blalock of Spokane; Bonnie Blalock, PhD, of Amesbury, MA; Julia Gandy of Eugene, OR; and Nichole Leturgey of Rock Springs, WY. He is also survived by his long-term partner, Sandy West.

John worked for over 40 years in forensics at Eastern State Hospital, where he was known for his ability to defuse tense situations, solve conflicts, and ability to connect with all kinds of people. He had a rare gift for reading people and staying grounded in tough situations - qualities that served him well both on the job and throughout life.

John was a self-made man whose achievements reflected a life lived to the fullest. In high school (Richland's Columbia High School, Class of 1969) and college, he earned national recognition in cross-country and track, earning scholarships to Eastern Washington University, University of Idaho, and Spokane Falls Community College. At 20 he was drafted by the U.S. Army and served a tour in Vietnam, relying on his toughness and sense of humor to carry him through.

After returning to Spokane, John continued to run competitively, eventually earning the nickname, "Gramps," from younger teammates. He ran a 2:20 marathon and transitioned into triathlons in the late 1970's and early 1980's. After teaching himself to swim, and trading vegetables for a bike, John went on to place well at the Kona World Ironman, once again proving his world-class strength and athleticism.

John also had a passion for gardening. He planted around 500 apple trees on raw land he purchased along the Cheney-Spokane Road, eventually building a successful orchard known for its fall apple cider and u-pick apples. To John, it became more than just an orchard, but a place of community, peace, stability, and purpose, where he was always willing to help and listen to anyone that came to visit.

It's hard to believe that someone as full of life as John could be gone. He moved through the world with resilience, warmth, and a spark that made him unforgettable. That spirit still lingers - in the orchard he built, the trees he planted, and the lives he touched. A celebration of life will be held on September 20th, 2025 beneath the peaceful trees he loved.

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Published by the Spokesman-Review on May 25, 2025.



By Elena Perry

elenap@spokesman.com (509) 459-5270

A motorcyclist is hospitalized with possible life-threatening injuries after a collision with a vehicle on South Cheney Spokane Road Sunday morning.

Just before 9 a.m. Sunday, deputies from Spokane County Sheriff's Office responded to the two-vehicle crash on South Cheney Spokane Road, south of Sherman Road. The collision was between a motorcycle and a pickup truck towing a "small utility trailer," according to a sheriff's office news release.

The male driver of the pickup was uninjured and stayed at the scene to cooperate with investigators from the sheriff's traffic unit.

According to the release, both drivers were heading south, the motorcycle behind the trailer. The driver of the pickup stopped to turn left, and as he turned, the motorcyclist attempted to pass the pickup on the driver's side, colliding with the truck. The collision remains an active investigation, but investigators don't think impairment or speed are involved.

Officials transported the motorcyclist to a local hospital, in critical condition with "potentially life-threatening injuries."

Deputies issued the pickup driver traffic citations for driving without proof of insurance, driving with a suspended license and driving without a breathalyzer ignition interlock device.

The roadway was closed until around 12:15 p.m. A volunteer team assisted with traffic control.

Published by the Spokesman Review on April 27, 2025.

Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).