Cecil was born to Dorothy and Cecil Blackburn on Aug. 21, 1948, at the Pincher Creek hospital. The Blackburn family recognizes that Cecil was the last male descendant of the “Blackburn” name.

Cecil graduated from Matthew Halton and went on to the U of A, where he achieved his master’s for physical education, fulfilling his dream of playing basketball for the Golden Bears. He worked at the Drumheller penitentiary, oil rigs and seismic, before settling down on the family farm, buying into the cattle he loved.

He became a part of the intricate fabric of the community, especially with the Butcher Creek Cattle Co., the Fishburn United Church and the Lethbridge Toastmasters. Helping his neighbours was second nature for him. He will be sorely missed by his family and his many friends.

He is survived by his sisters: Sandra (Stuart) Kastelic of Sangudo, Alta.; Verna (Dennis) Shewchuk of Calgary; his nieces and nephews: Kathryn (Kevin) Miller and son Ethan; Joseph (Laura) Kastelic and daughters Taylor and Morgan; Stephen (Amy) Kastelic and children Dylan, Colby and Sienna; Derek (Jennifer) Shewchuk and Kristen Shewchuk; and many extended family members.

He was predeceased by his parents, Cecil LeRoy Blackburn and Dorothy Marie (Golling) Blackburn.

A private memorial service and interment was held at Fishburn United Church on Jan. 9, 2021, with Rev. Judith Walker officiating. There will be a memorial celebration of Cecil’s life at a later date, once restrictions have lifted.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Heart & Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca/donate), to Fishburn United Church (PO Box 2732, Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0), or to Pincher Creek United Church (PO Box 667, Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0).

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Snodgrass Funeral Homes

403-627-4864     www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com