Frederick Blackburn

Frederick Jacob “Rick” Blackburn, Jr.

Frederick Jacob Blackburn, Jr., affectionately known as Rick to his family and friends, passed away after a life filled with love, laughter, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to the people he cared about most.

Born on March 6, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, Rick was a loving, supportive, generous, and genuinely funny man whose presence made a lasting difference in the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

Rick was a devoted Catholic, and his faith was an important part of his life. He was a member of Our Lady of the Snows in Frazier Park, California, which he made his home for 22 years. For more than 30 years, Rick dedicated himself to his career with Anheuser-Busch, where he worked as a Brewing Group Manager before retiring in 2008. He was meticulous, dependable, and took great pride in his work.

But while his career was an important part of his life, Rick's greatest joy was always found in the people he loved. Rick had a wide range of interests and was always ready to stay busy or take on a new adventure. He loved sports, horseback riding, and watching a good Dodgers game. He enjoyed helping the Kanke's race team, working with his tractor, and taking on whatever project happened to need fixing. He was the kind of person who could often be counted on to say, “Papa can fix it,” and then figure out a way to make it happen.

Above all else, Rick loved his family. He was a steady source of love and support for his children and grandchildren and would do almost anything for them. His home in Frazier Park was not simply a place where he lived, it was a place filled with family, memories, projects, laughter, and love. The people he loved knew they could count on him, and his generosity and willingness to help will be deeply missed.

Rick is survived by his partner in life, Ann Morgan; his children, Nicole Veteto and Frederick J., Blackburn, III (Ricky & Lillian); his stepchildren, Ashley Morgan (Miguel Valderramo) and Mike (Katie) Morgan; his sisters, Susan Blackburn, Mary Beth Meehan, and Jane (Steve) Jansen. He was a proud grandfather to Sophia Veteto, Nikolas (Nik) Morgan, William (Will) Morgan, Jacob (Jake) Morgan, Emma Morgan, Miguel (Juju) Valderramo III, and Federico (Freddy) Valderramo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Betty Blackburn, his brother, John (Jack) Blackburn and his brother-in-law Patrick Meehan.

Rick will be remembered not only for the things he accomplished, but for the person he was: the man who was always willing to help, the father who loved his family, the man who could make people laugh, and the “Papa” who could always be counted on to show up for his grandkids, whether it was a birthday, a t-ball game or a weekend-long baseball tournament.

His absence will leave an immeasurable space in the lives of those who loved him, but so much of Rick will remain in the stories we tell and the memories we share. As we remember Rick, may we celebrate the life he lived, the people he loved, and the countless ways he made the world a little better for those around him. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.

Care and services are under the direction of North Valley Cremation & Funeral Services. Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories and photographs on his memorial page in honor of Rick and the many cherished moments shared with him.