John Robert (Bob) Blatchford

October 29, 1935 - November 16, 2022
In loving memory ~
Bob Blatchford passed away in Williams Lake, BC on November 16th, 2022 at the age of 87. Bob was predeceased by his first wife Leona Blatchford. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 39 years Lynn, sons John (Val), Roy and Lorance, his daughter Leanna (Trevor) and special family friend Randy (Angie) Lavoie, his beloved dog Harry, his grandchildren Eugene, Reid, Kyle, Riley, Jake, Mackenzie and 9 great grandchildren.
Bob was born in Bellingham, WA and raised in Abbotsford before moving to Alexis Creek when he was 4 years old. He attended school in Alexis Creek until Grade 8, when he moved out to Tsuniah Lake with his parents to build up a ranch and guide outfitting business. He raised his four children on that ranch until the family moved back to Alexis Creek for the kids to attend school.
In the winter and spring seasons Bob worked as a hand faller and bucker man for George Malbeuf in Ft. St James, as well as Ilnicki Brothers Logging at Riske Creek. He also worked with Echolink Forest Services of Alkali First Nations as a crew boss for many years doing silviculture work.
In the summer and fall seasons Bob kept the guide outfitting business running at Chilko Lake and Tuzcha Lake until 1987. He and his family would move back out to the lake annually. The kids would work cutting trails and building cabins, while Bob would guide hunters who had travelled from the US and Overseas through the Chilcotin mountains.
Bob married Lynn Gollob in March of 1983. They have had many adventures together over the years including travelling to Switzerland, through Europe, as well as many locations in the United States and across Canada. In 2004 Bob found out that he had a large extended family in Alaska; Bob and Lynn would travel North that year to meet them. He became close with his distant cousins and visited numerous times over the subsequent years.
Bob had a passion for fishing and hunting; he proudly completed a successful Moose hunt during 2022 at the age of 86. He had a special affection for animals, always having horses, dogs and cats at his property. Bob also loved to visit with people, always being up for a coffee and a good story.
Bob had a real zest for life and kept busy around his small ranch property until the week before he passed. He would tell you that he "didn't have time to be sick". He was a true tough old cowboy who will be missed by many.
Bob's family would like to thank the Alexis Creek Medical Outpost, the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Emergency and ICU doctors and nurses, and a special thanks to Dr. J. Kriek for his amazing care recently and in the past number of years.
The family would also like to announce that a celebration of life will be held for Bob's family and friends on Sunday February 19th, 2023 at the Alexis Creek Community Hall.