Stephen Blacksher

Steve was born on August 29, 1947, to Norman and Ruth (Crowder) Blacksher, in Albany, CA, and spent most of his childhood in the small community of Carmichael, near Sacramento. In the late 1960’s, he enlisted in the Air Force and served two tours in Vietnam, before eventually returning to California and earning a college degree, while working and raising his two young daughters. In the late 70’s, he and the girls crossed the country to live in Baltimore, MD; then in the late 80’s, he headed west again and landed in Colorado, his beloved home for the rest of his life. After settling in Longmont, he met his future wife, Emily Cooper; they married in 1995, and enjoyed 28 years together.

Steve’s career was about serving others, and included running innovative recreation programs for people with disabilities in Baltimore County, leading the Longmont Humane Society as its Executive Director, and, finally, helping to provide transportation services to older adults and people with disabilities as the Director of Customer and Community Services at Special Transit, now Via Mobility.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Norm, and his sister Sue. He leaves his wife, Emily, his daughters, Shelley Zaleski and Kristin Ireland, seven grandchildren, a not-yet-born great grandchild, and many wonderful friends. Steve delighted in spending time with his family (water fights with the kids!), and he also loved hiking and backpacking, taking road trips, observing wildlife, walking Pacific Northwest beaches, collecting rocks, working with wood, and visiting with friends—or with anyone at all. In the 90’s, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of building a mountain cabin, with the help of three friends from Baltimore. The cabin on “Sqwiggle-Woggle” road was his pride and joy, and he loved taking in the stunning views, getting to know every inch of the surrounding land, and—always—having a project to work on.

Steve was a loving, kindhearted, capable man, with tremendous strength and integrity. He fit a lot into every day of his life, which, as it turned out, was a wise thing since he spent much of the last twenty years dealing with progressively worsening health problems. He will be remembered by many for his grit and good humor during those years.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 2:00 - 4:00pm at the Izaak Walton Clubhouse located on 18 S. Sunset St. in Longmont. There is no specific designation for memorial contributions; if inspired to make a donation, please do so to the organization of your choice.