Robert Roulston Blandford
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Laconia, NH - Robert Roulston Blandford, 76, died at his home on Friday, November 21, 2008 after a courageous battle with ALS.

Bob was born on September 3, 1932 in Quincy, MA the son of Mildred (Spratt) and Dr. George R. Blandford.  He attended North Quincy High, Class of 1950, Bentley College Class of 1952, and served in the US Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954.   He worked as an accountant for State Street Bank, Campanelli Bros, Nalews, Inc. and most recently for Charwill Contruction Company from which he retired in 1994.

Bob, his wife, Mary Anna (Sprinkle), and their children moved to Gilford, NH in 1966 where he was involved in the town Recreation Department starting that town’s Little League program and working to build what is now the town's recreation fields.  Bob coached many baseball teams in town, including 14 years as coach of the Nalews Babe Ruth Team and 6 years as coach of the American Legion Post #1 Laconia.   

Bob was an avid golfer and belonged to the Laconia Country Club for many years. Bob's trademark symbol was Mickey Mouse (TM) and he was never seen without his Mickey logo shirts. He wore them so often that his grandchildren called him "Grandpa Mickey".

Bob is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Anna Blandford of Laconia; his four children, Susan Blandford O'Brien and her husband Bill of N. Andover, MA, Karen Blandford-Anderson and her husband George of Derry, NH, David Blandford and his wife Gail of Windham, NH, and  Paul Blandford and his wife Tracey of Gilford; his sister, Ruth Brayton and her husband Robert of Berkeley, CA, his brother, Paul D. Blandford and his wife Barbara of Beverly, MA; the joys of his life, his 10 grandchildren,  Kathyrn, Lauryn, Heather, Rachel, Samantha, and John Blandford, Grant O'Brien and Robert, Erik, and Ian Anderson; his nieces and nephews, Jane Burchard, James Brayton, Michael Brayton and Beth Rousseau.   He is predeceased by his stepfather, Richard Devlin.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, November 24, 2008 from 6:00-8:00PM in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N. H.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 10:00AM at the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, N.H. Rev. Michael Graham, Pastor of the church, will officiate.

Burial will follow in the family lot in Pine Grove Cemetery, Gilford, N.H.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob's name to your local ALS Chapter.

Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is in charge of the arrangements.