Ray N. Blandford

Ray N. Blandford, age 53 of Fremont, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at the Gerber Memorial Health Services in Fremont. Ray was born on December 6, 1955 to Ray I. and Beverly A. (Nelson) Blandford. Ray graduated from Fremont High School in 1974 and had worked as a dispatcher at Van’s Delivery Service in Grand Rapids for 25 years until his retirement. Ray married Linda Smith on September 13, 2003 in Newaygo. Ray enjoyed tinkering in his garage, fixing old engine’s, spending time with his family, listening to 50’s 60’s and 70’s music.

Ray is survived by his wife, Linda of Fremont; his daughters, Tara Blandford (fiancé, Carl Mayberry) of Muskegon; Erin Blandford of Newaygo; his son, Eric Blandford of Bailey; his parents, Ray I. & Beverly Blandford of Sparta; sister, Sharyn (Brian) Hill of McEwen, Tennessee; his nephew, Todd (Susan) Dickinson of Howell; sister-in-law, Nancy (Larry) Hayes of Muskegon; brother-in-law, Ronald Smith of Navarre, Florida; his longtime companion, Babe.

VISITATION : Saturday, September 26, 2009 from 11-1pm at the Holton United Methodist Church 9530 Holton Duck Lake Road Holton MI 49425. FUNERAL SERVICES : Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 1pm at the Holton United Methodist Church. INTERMENT : Bridgeton Township Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : Holton United Methodist Church or American Lung Association.

We were really surprised to read about "Corky's" death. We are so sorry. The Blandfords were wonderful neighbors. Corky was just school kid. I recall that he needed a tube from a roll of paper towels so he could make a surprise gift for Bev. Sherry asked if I had one and I did. Ray, Bev and Sherry, also Linda and family, we will remember you in our prayers. With our sympathy, Arnold and Mildred Woodring

Posted 9/24/2009

To: Linda and family

We are so sorry to hear about Ray. We enjoyed visiting with him on the few occasions we got together. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Cousin Doris and Bob VanDyke

Posted 9/24/2009

Tara -

So sorry to read about your dad. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Debi Swanson

Charleston, SC

Posted 9/24/2009

Dear Linda & Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ray will always hold a special place in our hearts. He was a dear friend, and will be missed.

God Bless and Keep You All,

Edward, Barbara Armand

& Family

Posted 9/24/2009

Tara and family:

I just heard through the great “Fremont grapevine” of the passing of your father. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Marci Robins-Walker

Posted 9/24/2009

Bonnie and I were shocked to hear about Ray’s (Corky) death. We will remember the whole family in our prayers.

John & Bonnie Woodring

Jackson

I am so sorry for the loss of Ray. He was a super person to talk to when I had to call Van's for a Truck. Your family will be in my prays. Terry Kelsey(Jarob Design)

Posted 9/25/2009

Dearest Aunt Linda,

I am so, so sorry to hear about Ray’s sudden passing. Please know that Brian and I are thinking of you with deepest sympathies in this difficult time.

All our love,

Holly

Gods speed Ray. I will miss my old buddy he always brought a smile to my face. Ray always made the best of what he had and laughed in the face of adversity. I hope heaven is full of antique engines he can tinker with.

Love and Prayers
Boyd and Lori Pearce

I am so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. He was a classmate of mine in Fremont where we recently held our 35^th HS reunion. I was hoping to see many of my old classmates, including Ray. My long term memory was that he always seemed smarter than me. May your loving memories of Ray help you smile again. – Kenny Kent (Class of ’74)

Posted 9/29/2009