Robert Wilkinson Blackburn, of Canon City, CO, formerly of Richmond, lost his fight for life at approximately 11:20 p.m. on Sunday December 4, 2016. Robert, 64 years old, has been a resident at Belmont Lodge Health Care Center in Pueblo, CO since July 2015. He suffered from dementia related to Traumatic Brain Injury in 1979.

Robert was well respected in the Richmond musical community as a bass player, classically trained at VCU as a double bass major prior to his injury. He played music with numerous well-known local musicians over many years since the age of 13. Diagnosed with Dementia in October 2012, he and his wife of 14 years, Laura Still, sold their home in Richmond and relocated to Colorado to pursue quality of life in a place they love.

Robert is survived by his wife, Laura, of 18 years; daughters, Callie and Grace; brothers, Jody and Ken; sisters, Penny, Mary Jane and Leslie; stepdaughter, Jessica, numerous nieces and nephews, countless friends and loved ones.

Robert was a talented musician who was loved and admired by many. He was a lover of life, fun and live music and always the “lead comic” in the crowd. He was honest, trustworthy and always giving of himself for others.  He lived his life to the fullest; a man of exceptional character. He will be greatly missed.

There will be no formal services in Canon City, CO – only a private gathering at the home of his wife. Robert’s body is being donated to Science Care for educational purposes.  Donations can be made to your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.