Donald Blacklock, BA, BSW, MSW
1934-2010. Donald John Blacklock passed away in his 76th year, with his family by his side, on July 3rd, 2010 at the West Parry Sound Health Centre. Don was born on May 22nd, 1934 in Summerland, British Columbia.Throughout his life, Don displayed a strong commitment to social justice, both in his professional life and his personal life. After completing a B.A. and B.S.W. at the University of British Columbia, Don moved east to Ontario, where he worked for the John Howard Society in Ottawa. It was in Ottawa that he met and married his wife of 51 years, Gloria Nichol (nee). They moved to Kingston where Don continued his work for the John Howard Society. Don then returned to Vancouver to complete his Master of Social Work degree at UBC. Returning to Ontario, Don become Director of the John Howard Society in London and spent a year working for the Baptist Convention in Toronto. In 1969 he moved with his family to Parry Sound, where he became the Director of the Children’s Aid Society. He worked tirelessly to set up the Children’s Mental Health Services in Parry Sound and served as a member of the Board of Directors. Don retired in 1998.Over the years, Don and his wife worked extensively with their local church and with the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ). They traveled several times to do short term mission work in Bolivia, where Don’s skills with his hands were a great asset. One of Don’s great passions was the researching of his family tree, which has been traced back many generations from Canada, though Australia to the Lake District of England. He also loved traveling and working in his gardens. His hands made, fixed and helped with many things. He loved making buns for church dinners.Beloved husband of Gloria Blacklock. Dearest father of Elaine Blacklock (son-in-law Alfred Nkut), Cathy Blacklock, and Donald Blacklock, Jr. Survived by his sister Patricia Smith (Summerland) and sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Eric Murphy (Ottawa). Loved greatly by his grandchildren Carl, Ruthie, Jacob and Wesley. His love for his family was always evident. Adored by Angus III, his fourth Scottie dog. Don’s funeral Service was held at the Parry Sound First Baptist Church on Thursday, July 8th. In accordance with Don’s wishes, on August 12th the family interred his ashes in the Peach Orchard Cemetery, where his parents, grand parents and other relatives rest. On-line condolences: www.logansfuneralhome.com.