Robert J. Blacquiere

Robert J. Blacquiere returned home to his heavenly father on October 5, 2018 after a hard-fought battle with Glioblastoma. He was born on June 6, 1952 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was married to the love of his life, Jane Ellen Blacquiere, for 45 years.

He is survived by his three children: Tara (Andy) Schreur, Robert Zachary (Deb) Blacquiere, and Elly (Ryan) TerBeek; eight precious grandchildren Colton, Ava and Meg Schreur; Mya, Reagan and Zoey Blacquiere, Wyatt TerBeek and one on the way; siblings Henry (Gloria) Blacquiere, Bill (Carol) Blacquiere, Mary (Bryan) Prins; mother-in-law, Joyce Seif; in-laws Marcia (Clare) Harkema, Mary (Ron) Kamminga, Bill (Penny) Seif; Kathy (Dave) Burgess, Beth (Pete) Mulder, Sue (Craig) Newhof, Steve Seif, Joe (Alice) Seif and Ken (Cindy) Seif; special friends Doug (Marcia) Ybema and Jimmye Valkema.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Catherine Blacquiere; father-in-law, John Seif; and brother-in-law, Bob Bonnema.

He was a devoted husband, father, papa, teacher and coach to many. Bob served as a respected teacher in the community for 37 years beginning his career at Moline Christian spending a few years at Byron Center Christian and a majority of his career at South Christian High School. He also was recognized as a distinguished football coach at South Christian serving as head coach for the Sailors from 1982 - 2008 and then assisted for many years after.

Visitation with relatives and friends will be held from 1 - 3 p.m. and 5 - 8 p.m. on Monday, October 8, 2018 at Friendship Christian Reformed Church, 190 – 100th St., S.E. in Byron Center.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at Friendship Christian Reformed Church. Rev. Galen Meyer and Pastor Calvin Compagner will be officiating. Interment is at Dutton Cemetery.

In honor of Bob and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to South Christian High School.

The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcares.com.