Obituary of John D. Blackburn III

John Dravo Blackburn III passed away unexpectedly On June 22, 2024. John was born in Bronxville, NY on August 23, 1933. He was 90 years old. John served in the Army during the Korean War. John attended Cal Poly before transferring to Fresno State where he graduated with a degree in Agriculture. John was a proud member of the Rancheros Visitadores since 1982. He had Snaffle-bit Horses, Reining Cow Horses, but his true love was his Cutting Horses (and his dogs). He was an accomplished Farmer, Horseman, Sailor, Snow Skier, Tennis Player, Friend, Father, and Husband. He was a Santa Cruz Yacht Club Member since 1978 and sailed two Transpac races to Hawaii. John met his wife Lena racing sailboats in Santa Cruz. John leaves behind his wife Lena in Hollister, daughter Kate Masiello (Brad) of Lafayette, daughter Terry Vitale of Concord, Son Ross Blackburn (Julie) of Fresno, Son Cort Blackburn (Laura) of Sun Valley, 13 grandchildren, two great-grandsons, sister Peggy MacLean of Fresno, cousins, several nieces and nephews. He was loved by all and will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.