Brian John Blackwood

Brian John Blackwood was born in Newton, IA, to Everett and Caroline Blackwood. He grew up in Newton and was very involved in athletics, including football, wrestling, baseball, and for fun he would hike, bicycle, or play tennis. He was captain of the football team. He graduated from Newton High School in 1985 and attended the University of Iowa for 4 years. He worked in a variety of positions over the years, including retail, landscaping, utility work, and most commonly as a chef in a variety of restaurants. He loved the outdoors and hiking, and moved to Washington in 2009, having always wanted to live in the Pacific Northwest. He loved to learn new things and cared about people.

Memorial visitation will be at 2 pm Saturday, January 11, 2025 at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Madison, IN, with the service to follow at 3 pm. Private burial will take place at a later date at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Newton IA. 

Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Caroline Blackwood, and his brother, Mark. He is survived by his sister Joan Blackwood Davis (Jerry) of North Vernon IN, nieces Emily Davis of Indianapolis, IN, Grace Davis of Bloomington, IN, and Elaine (Johnny) Brassard in Grand Mound, IA, and nephew Brett Blackwood in Davenport, IA. Additional survivors include 3 great nieces, 2 great nephews and one sister-in-law.

Memorials: The family requests no flowers. Financial gifts can be forwarded to any agency that provides assistance to persons experiencing homelessness, addiction or mental illness. Options include Bellingham WA Housing Authority and the Wayside Inn, North Vernon IN.