Page 54 - Old Ratcliffian Magazine 2017

54 OBITUARIES

ANTHONY ALBERT BLACKHAM

OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1942 - 1948
SEPTEMBER 25TH 1930 - APRIL 18TH 2017

Anthony Albert Blackham, known to all as Tony, was born in
Wolverhampton in 1930 to Ethel and Arthur – a brother for
Sally. He had a wonderfully charmed and carefree childhood at
the family home of Tinacre. At the age of seven, he went away
to school to Grace Dieu Manor, and later, to Ratcliffe College,
where he spent many happy years relishing all that education
had to offer. His fascination and thirst for knowledge was
soon apparent, along with his sense of fun. He remained loyal
to Ratcliffe for the rest of his life, and for many years, he was
a trustee of the Ratcliffian Association and served on their
scholarship committee. He enthusiastically supported the
spectacular growth of the College. The School helped to instil
his steadfast and unwavering Catholic faith, and he became a
stalwart of his local Catholic parish.

Keen to follow on in the family business, Tony left Ratcliffe and
went to London to qualify as an Ophthalmic Optician. He became
the fourth generation to preside over H Blackham and Son in
Wolverhampton. Initially, he worked alongside his father, who
soon realised that the business was in safe hands and retired to
follow his passion for collecting antiques. With Tony at the helm,
H Blackham and Son continued to be one of the town’s longest
established businesses. In 1963, Tony married Rosemary, also from Wolverhampton. They
had three daughters - Rachel, Nicola and Caroline. After initially
living in Beckbury (a small village in beautiful rural Shropshire),
they moved a whole mile and a half down the road to Burnhill
Green; Lower Snowdon became a real labour of love, with
Tony’s keen eye for detail providing a wonderful family home
and garden. Never was he happier than working outside in the
garden, sweeping up, planting, organising and partaking of two
of his favourite pastimes – mowing and bonfires! Constantly
outnumbered by females, he remained tolerant, patient and kind.
As his great friend from school, Fr Michael Hill (49), reminded
us, ‘Tony was one of the most loyal and generous of people. He
was loyal to his beloved wife and family, loyal to his friends, his
old school and his church. To give to others and give generously
was simply part of his nature. Any worldly success which came his
way was an opportunity for him to share his good fortune. There
was nothing that he enjoyed more than exploring the beauties of
Britain and sharing that experience with others.’

One thing that especially endeared Tony to his friends was his
quirky sense of humour. He had a way of defusing situations with
a quick quip, never cruel and devoid of any critical edge. Tony had
many interests, but his home and family life always came first.
He was curious about people, and with his easy, friendly manner,
he could talk to anyone, showing a genuine interest in them.
Anyone who had the privilege to know Tony realised that they
had met an absolute gentleman in the truest sense of the word.
He was humble, kind, thoughtful, interesting and interested, all
wrapped up with a keen sense of fun and an ability to see the
funny side of life. He will be greatly missed by his family and
friends.

Rachel, Nicola & Caroline
Daughters

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