Posted on 02/05/2018
On Sunday, January 28, 2018, Christopher R. Blackburn reluctantly surrendered his life to his battle with cancer. He embodied his fight against cancer with his platform of "family, friends, faith, attitude and energy." His life was blessed in the love he shared and the connections he has made throughout the world.
Born November 28, 1958, Chris grew up in Framingham, Massachusetts where he attended local schools and graduated from Marian High School. Throughout his childhood, Chris demonstrated strong athletic ability and played sports competitively. In 1976, he entered the United States Naval Academy where he played hockey and rowed for the crew team. Ultimately completing his education at Northeastern, Chris began a career in the civil engineering field. His knowledge, quick wit and ability to connect with all, resulted in a successful independently run company, Gemini Geotechnical, until 2008 when Chris and his business partner, Frank Vetere, transitioned to work for GZA Geoenvironmental. Chris so enjoyed his work and the network of colleagues he immersed himself within.
Chris' greatest love was for his family. He raised three daughters in York, Maine where he avidly cooked, cleaned and coached for many. He loved and cared for people so passionately that it is difficult to define people as his "friends" because they truly became his family. Chris met his best friend, Beth, in 2007. Once again, he embarked on the journey of giving with her three daughters and together they came to be eternally thankful for the path that brought them happiness.
Chris leaves behind his mother, Barbara Blackburn, of Framingham, Massachusetts. He leaves his daughters Hailey, Lauren, Lindsey Blackburn and her husband Brian Kautz. Chris leaves his partner Beth Hutchins and his three step-daughters Lindsey, Olivia, Shelby Hutchins and her fiancé Timothy Breen. He leaves his sister Nancy, her husband Larry, and their three children, Daniel, David and Steven Sparks. He will be missed by many - too many to list and that is truly a beautiful life.
His desire to make others happy and to care for all will carry forward in many hearts.
As you think of Chris, remember the twinkle in his eye, his sharp mind and his tremendous heart. Play a game of cribbage daily and toast the good things in life often.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 in the Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, 91 Long Sands Road, York. A Celebration of Life will take place at noon Saturday, Feb. 3 in the First Parish Church, 180 York St., York. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to: Dr. Schrag's Giving Page, Elyse Rivituso, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Development & the Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Fl, Brookline, MA 02445 (www.myjimmyfundpage.org/give/deborahschrag). Visit www.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com
Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home Inc
91 Long Sands Rd
York, ME 03909
(207) 363-3531
Published in Seacoastonline.com from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, 2018