Robert Blount

BLOUNT, ROBERT J. "BOB"Robert J. "Bob" Blount passed away September 1, 2012. He was born in Artesia, New Mexico and graduated from Artesia High School after which he volunteered to serve in the Army Air Corps. The end of WW II came soon thereafter and he took advantage of the GI Bill to attend the University of New Mexico, graduating with a BS in Business Administration. What he took as a "temporary job" ended up as a rewarding career of nearly forty years with Sandia National Laboratories. Bob was predeceased by his parents, three siblings, and his beloved wife of fifty-one years, Carrie-Mae MacNair Blount. He is survived by his children Susan Blount, Lawrence Blount and wife Michelle, and Holly Blount Laird and husband Michael; grandchildren Emily and husband Daniel Steinbaugh, Charles Laird and wife Caitlin, Matthew Blount, Russell Wiarda, and Jon Laird; by sister Gerry Blount Lightwine, by family friend Karen Carlson and special companion Frances Tuthill. In college and later, Bob enjoyed membership in Alpha Kappa Psi, Phi Sigma Iota, and Phi Kappa Phi. Over the years he enjoyed flying, bicycling, motorcycling, boating and water skiing, snow skiing, raising and training Golden Retrievers, hunting, fishing, and playing bridge. He was a life member of the NRA based on his constitutional beliefs and an honorary life member of the National Association of Parliamentarians based on his service to the organization. A lifelong fascination with how things work led him to become an accomplished auto mechanic and home handyman. As technology exploded, he began building and using personal computers. Many a night, he could be found with his nose in the best-selling novel or a technical manual for his latest gadget. He was admired by many for his intelligence, curiosity, and wisdom. A private gathering was held shortly after his death in his home. His children would like to thank all of his friends, neighbors, and health care professionals for their kindness and compassion during the past few months.