| In Loving
Memory Douglas Faust Blackledge 14 July 1970 - January 2016 |
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Douglas
Faust Blackledge was the best of us. Doug had it all - charm,
sense of humor, great intellect and athetic ability, love of animals
and children, all behind a winning smile. Retired USAF LtCol
and HH-60G Pave Hawk Helicopter Pilot. Combat Search and Rescue
Warrior who was working on his Masters Degree in Finance when he
left this world. Contrarian and Daedalian. We will treasure our memories.
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| Doug died alone (save for his loyal dog Tyson) at home in Melbourne, FL in January
2016, possibly around the 13th. He was found on 5 February. This memorial site is to commemorate Doug's 45 years of
Life. And on that score, there is much to rejoice, much to
celebrate. |
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He was the best of us. A man who so freely shared his friendship, loyalty, support, kindness, and ready smile with all. He felt honored to serve his country, as I feel honored to share his name and his 45 years of an all-too-short life. Farewell Chopper Pilot. You have new wings now, and they are eternal. - Peter Blackledge. |
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Your son was one of my instructors when I came through initial qualification training for the HH-60G in 2004, and he was one of the best instructors I had. He taught me what it meant to be a Rescue helicopter pilot, and how to do the job well. I last saw him in 2011 when I was on leave in Germany and he graciously offered up a spare bedroom for a night as I was passing through. I will always hold your son in the highest esteem despite his demons; please take solace in the fact that he meant a lot to a lot of people. - Mandy Hutchison (Pave Hawk pilot, Kirtland AFB) | ||
I believe the pain that we are all experiencing is SOOO heart wrenching, because he was such a loving caring and special individual. You couldn't see his smile and the sparkle in his eyes without sharing the joy within. From the many practice sessions that we shared when wrestling was still a newer sport to me, in relative terms some near 30 years later, to our plans for you to watch my sons compete in the sport here in Colorado after you moved here and the many posts and conversations, you will live on inside of me for a lifetime. Just the thought of your name gives me simultaneous happiness and agony, you are one of the Special ones in life. I can't make assumptions about what had happened, but I will always remember our last long conversation Christmas Eve Eve and for that I am grateful to have shared it with you. Our family will do numerous prayers to help ease the pain for his family during these challenging days, weeks, and years to come. LOVE YOU ALWAYS - Tony Freeman and Family |
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Drippy, Godspeed, Doug. See you at the Pearly Gates. - Mike Generale Doug was the oldest of two sons born to Mike and Helen Blackledge. Doug had that same deeply sweet character that his mom had (and also his grandmother), but that all three protected fiercely with heavy overlays of hardened exterior presence, each in their own fashion. But that central core contained such a wellspring of understanding, care and compassion that was quite unmatched in most people. That sweetness and delight in living showed through in many of the photos that are posted in this Memorial page. Yes, he was legitimately tough in the work he performed, but these central-core moments were given rein in his private moments. We had the distinct pleasure of his attendance at our wedding in July of 2013, and we had a lovely time. He visited with our friends in attendance as well as with other family members who had come for the event. Several photos from that event are included on the Memorial page. (And he wore that gorgeous deep French blue shirt that emphasized his gorgeous eyes so well!) We will miss that sweet person from our immediate midst, and we carry his memory with us in our private space on a daily basis. Rest in Peace, sweet Nephew Doug! - Aunt Annabeth
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Dear Mike, It has taken me five days to be able to contact you. The
devastating news of your son's death broke my heart and left me in
tears. (Having a son, also retired, almost the same age and an
aviator, hit very close to home emotionally.) Your Doug, so
handsome with a million dollar smile, was an extraordinary man who
served his country with honor and distinction. He did you proud!
Whatever his issues may have been can never diminish the
magnificent person he was. Take comfort in knowing he is in his
mother's arms and care now and all is well. My prayers, thoughts
and heart are with you, Bonnie and all your family as you work through
these painful days. With love, Pat Byrnes (widow of Rick Byrnes, USNA '63)
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| Dear Mike, I'm so sorry that Doug is gone. I really liked him! And despite jokes to the contrary, I was happy to be his "older sister" :) I will always think of him smiling - that is the only way I ever saw him - and I will always remember how your face lit up when you talked about him. I know there was worry there for you too, but for me, Doug will always be the kid with the huge smile who was a source of pride for a loving father. - Marcey | ||
| Dear Mike and Bonnie, It is difficult to deal with the shock of Doug's death. We were all so blessed when Doug and Christina were added to our lives a month apart. We shared those early years in Colorado Springs together through the happiness and worries of pregnancies and then to the challenges of adjusting to babies. We learned early that our offspring are individuals and we do not control our children's lives. They have their own passions, personality, and motivations. Sometimes they let us paddle the boat, but they want to control the tiller. Sometimes we can see what is coming up better than they can from their position on the tiller. We can be grateful for every day we share with them and every joy they brought into our lives. Doug accomplished many great things in his studies, his career, his sports, his interests and especially his friendships. We want the best for our offspring and release from pain and sorrow is everyone's desire. Doug is at peace and has escaped from problems which were beyond his solution. Although his time was cut short, you can take comfort in Doug's many accomplishments, relationships, service to his country, and love for his family. There are many memories that can be cherished. We are remembering our times together as families, and send our sympathy and love to you. - Gary and Susan | ||
| Dear Mike. I heard about Doug's death from my parents. It is difficult to get my head around. Doug was about my age. I have fond memories of playing with him and David on the boulders in the backyard of the Stalgren Ct house. I can only imagine how shocking and sad his death must be for you. Please know that I have you and David in mind. I've been thinking about/ remembering Helen as well. Your family was so much fun to be with and so kind to Kerry and me when we were kids. I will cherish those memories and wish you well going forward. - Kim (Elder) Siegel | ||
| Doug's Life is remembered here in photographs - |
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| Doug
proudly flew the Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk for Combat Search and
Rescue. He earned numerous awards and decorations during his 22
year career, highlighted by the Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 oak
leaf cluster), the Air Medal, and the Aerial Achievement Medal (with 3
oak leaf clusters). |
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| Doug enjoyed the world of Finance, working toward his Masters Degree. Here is a paper
he submitted in May 2015 ("Woo Hoo! 100% ! Now I just need
to finish the final exam..."). The paper analyzed Netflix (which
he admitted was "kicking my butt right now, but I remain hopeful!") On 5 Dec 2014, Doug provided: "Here's another graded assignment
for your reading pleasure. We went over Classical vs. Keynesian
theories. Rush Limbaugh used to joke (during the period when
Obama's birth record was in question) and recommend when discussing
politics, state "My problem with Obama is that he's a Keynesian"... of
course, the not so savvy liberal will typically respond "I don't think
it matters where he was born, I still love him!" LOL! "Question
#4, the only one I got points deducted, I responded to the professor
that I wasn't quibbling or requesting a change in grade, but wanted to
point out the fact that I stated the MPC (Mean Propensity for
Consumption) is a ratio, so it doesn't matter if your rich or poor (my
"MPC is blind" statement), therefore I addressed every spectrum of the
wealth range. ;-) No response from him yet." "Additional good news, the Orion capsule successfully launched this AM! It will splash down off of Baja California in about an hour." | ||
Obituary: Doug's obituary was published in the print Albuquerque Journal on 26-28 February 2016 and can be viewed on-line here. It includes a Guest Book for friends and family to add photos and remembrances. | ||
Interment: Doug was born in Colorado and died in Florida. His 22 years of military service took him throughout the world. His body was cremated and his ashes were returned to his childhood home in New Mexico. He was interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on a beautiful sun-filled, light breeze New Mexico Friday on 4 March 2016, attended by flying comrades, high school friends, and family. His final resting place is near where his mother Helen is interred. Helen is in Section 23, Columbarium Wall #1, niche C80. Doug is just across the street, in Section 23a, Columbarium Wall #4, niche C27. Visitation hours for the Santa Fe National Cemetery are seven days a week, sunrise to sunset. | ||
Memorial Reception: Doug's family hosted a Memorial Reception at his childhood home in Albuquerque following the Santa Fe interment. 70 high school friends and family came to tell stories, reacquaint themselves with each other, and reminisce about Doug. Paul Martinez said of this event, "Thank you, Mr. B and Bonnie. In spite of the circumstances I loved that day. You guys made it happen. That day of pain and joy will live in us forever. Im happy with that. Your mexican son, Pjm" | ||
| On-Line Memorial: In addition to this web page, Doug has a (permanently maintained) FindAGrave.com memorial which can be viewed here. | ||
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Some wished to honor
Doug with a charitable donation. Doug's Manzano High School in Albuquerque has
established a Douglas Faust Blackledge Memorial Fund for that purpose.
Here is their description:
Manzano High School Newsletter October 2016 This
year we lost a fellow Monarch in Douglas Faust Blackledge. To
honor his Life and Memory, close friends of the Blackledges, in
coordination with Michael Blackledge and Manzano High School, have
started the Douglas Faust Blackledge Memorial Fund for
the express purpose of benefiting the Manzano High School soccer and
wrestling programs, and so that friends and family of Douglas have a
vehicle to support this effort. Douglas was a 1988 graduate of
Manzano High School, where he participated on the soccer and wrestling
teams, to include the 1987 Manzano State Championship Soccer Team, and
graduated in the top 5% of his class. The Memorial Fund will be used for student athletes at the discretion of the head wrestling coach, head boys soccer coach, and the athletic director to ensure that student athletes in need can fully participate in soccer or wrestling. Memorial funds may be used for, but not limited to: Athletic physicals, atheletic medical insurance, equipment, team-specific apparel, athletic uniforms and and other items deemed necessary for equal participation. For those who wish to participate in the fund, please make the check out to Manzano High School and on the memo line stipulate: Douglas Faust Blackledge Memorial Fund, Acct. 405 and mail to: Manzano High School Attention: D-Anna Martinez 12200 Lomas Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87112 Dear Mike and Bonnie,
This is an excellent way to honor Doug’s life and to remember his passions and achievements. The soccer and wrestling programs at Manzano offer vehicles for young men to release their energies, focus their attentions and create the mental discipline to be good students.
The Memorial Fund can make a difference in the lives of students in your community. It is wonderful that the staff of Manzano High School already has plans that include honoring players for their leadership and character with awards tying them to an outstanding graduate of the school. Doug’s memory can live on in special way to honor his life and contributions to Manzano’s programs and to inspire young men to excel in their own ways and to reach their potential through sports.
We applaud the creation of this memorial, a loving tribute to Doug who personified teamwork, loyalty and dedication. The memorial also provides an opportunity for you to promote interests that you shared with Doug, honor his life and benefit your community.
- Gary and Susan Ganong Knowing Doug, he might also suggest the following:  Special Operations Warrior FoundationThe Special Operations Warrior Foundation supports America's fallen heroes by providing college scholarships for their surviving children. At their web site, specialops.org they have created this unique Douglas Blackledge Memorial page to honor Doug and notify the family. If you have questions, email Anthony Rosenthal at warrior@specialops.org That Others May Live Foundation That Others May Live Foundation mission is to assist with providing a college education for
every child who has lost a parent during an operational or training Air
Force Rescue mission as well as provide immediate tragedy assistance
and Warfighter appreciation events.
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| The USO The United Service Organizations Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded by Franklin D. Roosevelt that provides programs, services and live entertainment to United States troops and their families. Once on a TDY, Doug was 'caught' overseas and found the USO so helpful and friendly in their assistance that he vowed to support them. | ||
