Roger Martin Blichfeldt

Roger Martin Blichfeldt, 59, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, lost his brief but courageous battle with cancer and passed on to his heavenly home on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at Hospice Atlanta. Roger was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 30, 1951 to Roger Wentworth and Mary Ruppen (Betty) Blichfeldt who preceded him in death. He is survived by his 3 sisters in Michigan: Elizabeth (Libby) of Marquette, Mary (C. Michael O’Brien) of Muskegon, Louisa Sjogren of Harrisville, and his brother Howard (Sharon) Blichfeldt of Pittsburgh. He also leaves behind his beloved partner Barbara Arner of Atlanta, Georgia and her four children William, Kathy, Matthew (Bo) of Atlanta and Kim of Toledo, Ohio and grandchild Sarah Schneider of Columbus, Ohio. He is survived by two nephews Justin Sjogren and Nathaniel O’Brien, his 97 year old dear Aunt Eva (Blichfeldt) Hamilton, Cousins Sue and Buzz Waxler, Rick and Gail Lisi, Kathleen Ruppen Sack and Patsy Ruppen (Pete) Pence, Anita (Mark) Matthews, Janie Ruppen and John, and Howard (Alesia) Ruppen.

Roger loved the outdoors and all living things. He spent his early years exploring nature in Pennsylvania with his family, and was active in Cub and Boy Scouts. He graduated from St. Basil’s High School in 1969 and the University of Pittsburgh in 1974 with a BA in Philosophy, Psychology and Theology. He moved to Michigan to work for Ford Motor Company, and then relocated to Ohio where he worked for the City of Toledo. In l983, he moved to Sandy Springs, Georgia, became a licensed realtor and joined Askew Realty. Roger was a member of the Atlanta Board of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors Million Dollar Club. He joined the Sandy Springs Revitalization, Inc. Board in 1996 and served on the SSRI Transportation Committee and Nominating Committee. Roger served on many Fulton County, GRTA and GDOT committees. He was Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Sandy Springs Revitalization, Inc. and Past President of the Glenridge Hammond Neighborhood Association. In 2005, he received the Mrs. Harry Norman Award presented by the Atlanta Board of Realtors for the realty transaction judged to be Atlanta’s Most Outstanding in Conception, Development and Completion. He was also the recipient of the Askew Realty Integrity Award.

Roger shared his love of nature with many, including his clients, presenting some with a bluebird house upon the purchase of their home. Roger and Barb’s backyard was a haven for birds. He had a pet pine warbler affectionately called “Petie” who ate from the palm of his hand. He will be missed by family, friends and associates who are still coming to grips with the suddenness of his illness and death.

The memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 6pm, with visitation from 5-6pm at H.M.Patterson & Sons, Arlington Chapel at 173 Allen Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a contribution in Roger’s memory for the creation of a bird sanctuary. Contributions in Roger’s memory can be made payable to “Park Pride – Sandy Springs” and mailed to Park Pride, 233 Peachtree Street, Suite 1600, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. This is a 501(c)(3) organization.