Bill Blacker

William A. Blacker, Jr., a lifelong Moscow resident, died Friday, August 26. 2016 at Kindred Aspen Park Healthcare. He was 73. Bill was born October 24, 1942 in Moscow to William A. and Gladys M. Presby Blacker. He grew up and attended school in Moscow. At the age of 18, Bill started working as summer help at the University of Idaho. He continued there, retiring as the head of the landscaping department after 40 years with the UI. During his career, Bill received the U of I Outstanding Employee Award in 1987 and 1998, the Meritorious Service Award in 1981, 1991, 1996 and 2001, Certificate of Commendation in 2001, and the Circle of Excellence Award in 1996. Bill was also active in the Moscow and Idaho State Jay-Cee's and was the recipient of Moscow J-C's Distinguished Service Award in 1975-76. He was a member of the Moscow Moose Lodge and took great pride in his own yard, gardening and feeding the neighborhood squirrels. He married Nancy Schlieper in Moscow on Sept. 3, 1966. She survives at their Moscow home along with his daughter, Heidi Reynolds of Spokane Valley and grandchildren, Corey Crawford, Kenny Reynolds and Billie Jean Walker and a great grandson, Kalon. He also leaves his brother, Keith Blacker of Pullman and sisters, Shirley Crimmins of Lewiston, Frances Blacker-Angeny and Karen Kappler both of Moscow, Darlene Runyan of Texas and Kathy Power of Troy. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his step-mother, Verda Blacker and a brother, Cairy Blacker. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, September 2, 2016 at the Moscow Cemetery. A reception and luncheon will follow at the Schierman Event Center on Robinson Lake Road. The family suggests memorials be made to the Nuerofubermatosis Foundation, c/o Cheri Stewart, 22835 129th Ave SE, Kent, WA 98031. Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.