Robert William Blacker

Robert William Blacker, 56, of Durkee and formerly of la Grande died Jan. 22 at his home from complications of West Nile Virus.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Durkee Community Church.

Mr. Blacker, known as Bob, was born Sept. 13, 1950, to Lora Riley Wright and Lee Arthur Blacker in Baker City. His great-grandparents were Charles and Minerva Baldock, early pioneer settlers in the Baker Valley. His father was a construction worker, and the family moved frequently. He lived in many towns in Oregon, Washington, and Montana while growing up and made many lifelong friends along the way.

After graduating from La Grande High School in 1968, Bob followed his father's example and went into the diversified field of construction, mastering working with concrete. He eventually worked on the Interpretive Center in Baker City.

In 1977 he married Roberta Hanna in Durkee, and the couple resided in Portland. They later divorced. Bob lived most of his life in his beloved Eastern Oregon.

Some of his greatest pleasures were sharing hunting and fishing adventures with his brothers and friends. He especially loved the Snake River area. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, rodeos and ranching. His charismatic laugh and generous nature will be missed.

Survivors include his girlfriend, Jody Nickerson, and her daughters of Durkee; children, Eric Blacker of Los Osos, Calif., and Tara Cheatum of Seattle, Wash.; sister and brother-in-law, Faye and Jerry Winkle of La Grande; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Chris Blacker of Durkee and Gary Wright of Portland.