Charles William “Chuck” Blackmer, beloved husband, father, grandfather, poodle lover and Wolverines fan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 2, 2024 surrounded by family. He was 80 years old. Chuck was born on June 16, 1943 to Gladys (Wilson) and Charles DeVere Blackmer of Milan, Michigan. He graduated from Milan High School in 1961 and matriculated to the University of Michigan for the first of MANY chapters for Chuck at UM.
As an undergraduate, Chuck was active in the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, where he met several lifelong friends. He earned two UM degrees - a Bachelor’s in Architecture in 1965 and a Master’s in Landscape Architecture shortly thereafter. Most significantly, Chuck called upon the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority house and met Kathleen Crispell. Chuck and Kathleen’s marriage would span 24 years (1966-1990), with many career and travel adventures, plus successful coparenting of Ben and Eleanor.
Chuck’s architecture career was characterized by diversity, elegance and forward thinking. As an associate with Rouse Co., he held a major role in iconic developments in Columbia, Md., while contributing to projects such as Westlake Center (Seattle) and South Street Seaport (New York City) that stand tall today. Chuck and his family enjoyed several years based in San Francisco, before moving “home” to Ann Arbor in 1988. Chuck founded Blackmer & Associates on Liberty Street in downtown Ann Arbor. The “associates” included great friends and colleagues, but also Murphy the Grumpy Corgi and Chuck’s kids. A unique approach to Human Resources, but one that reflected Chuck’s core values. Among the many projects that Chuck consulted on and led, he may have been most proud of Caberfae Peaks, near Cadillac, Michigan. The Blackmer Day Lodge, even today, is a testament to the excellence and craftsmanship of Chuck’s projects. He concluded his career at Atwell-Hicks, Inc. in Ann Arbor, yet, long into retirement, remained active in landscape work with the Ann Arbor Rotary Club and City of Ann Arbor Parks (Universal Access Playground in 2016).
The family expanded beautifully in 1995 when Chuck married Dr. Tracey Wentz in a backyard ceremony. With each partner bringing a teen and a tween to the marriage (Ben, Eleanor, Carrie, Joel), their shared home became synonymous with family games, a robust division of chores (adjudicated by Chuck) and endless laughter. Events at Tracey and Chuck’s, notably Bowl games and March Madness, meant dozens of “family” members spread out on the sectional sofa, and more servings of chili than a Camp Michigania mess hall. Chuck wrote hilarious holiday letters during these years, showing a complete (yet endearing) lack of understanding of adolescent life.
Chuck took great pride in the success and educational ambition of his four children - he attended more than a dozen graduation ceremonies through the 1990s and 2000s, taking care to find the “right” restaurant at each one.
In 2000, Chuck and his family began an arduous journey of cardiac care at UM. This stage of Chuck’s life would require bravery and a massive community of supporters, as Chuck eventually wore two separate battery-powered heart pumps. Tracey coordinated dozens of “Chuck sitters,” who would descend upon his home to change his batteries, chat, and eat handfuls of his signature stovetop popcorn. In 2006, Chuck received a successful heart transplant at U of M and embarked on a new journey of gratitude and giving back.
To live 18 years with a transplanted heart is incredibly rare, but Chuck possessed unique DNA (Dogs, Naps and Athletics). He was surely sustained by daily time with his standard poodles, as well as his ability to fall asleep at any time of day, seemingly anywhere. Chuck’s dream day, which he realized on hundreds of occasions, would include a trip to the Olson Dog Park, Therapaws volunteering, a nap (or two!) and a Michigan game. Over the years, he held season tickets for Wolverines Volleyball, Soccer, Football, Women’s Basketball (his favorite), Men’s Basketball and Softball. Chuck cherished his neighborhood bridge/poker games and fishing trips, even though he always seemed to end with too little cash in his wallet and not enough fish in the icebox.
Chuck was preceded in death by his canine family members Mandy, Murphy, Norman, Rusty and Tess. Additionally, he grieved the loss of his parents, Charles and Gladys; partner Kathleen Crispell, parents-in-law Ken & Marge Crispell, and Nancy Wentz & Gene Wentz.
He is survived by his indomitable wife and caregiver, Tracey Wentz; brother Bob (Carol) Blackmer of Traverse City; four children, Ben (Allison) Blackmer of Denver, Colo., Eleanor (Ian Stubbs) Blackmer of Broomfield, Colo., Carrie (Brian) Nemerovski of Ann Arbor, and Joel (Francie) Abramson of Ann Arbor. Four humans - Eli, Lucy, Arthur and Bruce - got to know “Grandpa Chuckie” as a reliable supplier of donuts from Washtenaw Dairy and treats at every Michigan game. His fifth grandchild (and first from Eleanor and Ian) is due to join the family in August 2024.
Per Chuck’s wishes, cremation was performed by Muehlig Funeral Chapel. A celebration of life event will be held in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the truly life-sustaining organizations in Chuck’s life: Therapaws of Michigan (www.therapaws.org) or the University of Michigan Transplant Center (www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/transplant).
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