SANDY - Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, CJ (Clement) Blackburn, passed away unexpectedly while recovering from an illness in Sandy on Dec. 12, 2008. He was 77.
He was born on Nov. 16, 1931 in Wellington to Boyd Blackburn and Ruth Grames.
CJ was a beloved man who lived life to the fullest.
CJ joined the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served during the Korean War.
He was able to travel and see the world, but eventually returned home to his favorite place, Carbon County, Utah.
CJ worked as a cowboy, coal miner and roughneck. He spent the majority of his career in the meat industry, finishing at the top of his field and retiring in September after 21 years as a well respected and recognized agriculture/meat inspector for the state of Utah.
CJ enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors with his family and friends, especially camping, hunting and fishing.
He was an active member of the USS Kankakee Assoc.
CJ was a phenomenal grandpa. Not just to his grandchildren, but to any child who came to his house.
CJ is survived in death by his loving wife and best friend, Sharon; son, Gary Blackburn; daughter, Michelle Bradley-Orozco (Michael); son, Mike Bradley (Connie); sister, Darleen Harrison; six grandchildren and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert; parents; two sisters and four brothers.
Friends and family are invited to join in a celebration of his life Friday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m. at Redwood Memorial Mortuary, 6500 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan. There will be a viewing at the same location Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and prior to services from 1 to 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in CJ's name to The Children's Center, 5242 S. 4820 West, Kearns, UT 84118.
