John D. Blades

John "Jack" Blades died peacefully on December 15, 2015 in Manchester, NH, at the age of 91. Born in Cincinnati OH, November 1, 1924, the oldest child of the late John R. and Gertrude D. Blades, Jack spent his childhood in Summit NJ. He received his BS degree in Physics from McDaniel College and his MS and PhD in Physics from the University of Cincinnati. His professional career took him from coast to coast and back, as he involved himself in research and development in the computer field. An opportunity to expand his experience took Jack and his family to Grenoble France, where he worked in the Nuclear Physics field for 14 months, a journey which triggered his desire to see the world. Dr. Blades was affiliated with several professional organizations throughout his career and into retirement. Among them were The American Physical Society, The Society for Information Display and the Materials Research Society. In retirement, Jack and Doris saw our world up close, as they traveled to 6 continents and all 50 states making friends wherever they went.

A veteran of the Pacific Theater in WWII, Jack proudly served aboard the USS Reeves and had the opportunity to continue friendships with his mates for many years. One of his favorite memories was his chance to participate in the NH Honor Flight trip to the World War II memorial in Washington DC, an adventure set up by his wife, Doris.

An avid golfer, Jack proudly displayed his Hole in One plaque on the wall and would tell the story of the 163 yard par three that he beat! The PGA provided him with his favorite hats, orange for spring and blue for winter.

Dr. Blades is survived by his two sisters, Nancy Blades Geiler and her husband Jack and Doris Blades Black and her husband Mal, his brother George Blades and his sister-in-law Pamela Blades; his three daughters, Catherine Blades and her husband Bugs Beaurivage, Jane Hoover and her husband Mike and Pat Terrell as well as his grandson Ethan John Hoover. He was predeceased by his wife, Doris Vansant Blades, his youngest brother, Jim Blades and his son-in-law, Rich Terrell.

Cathie, Jane and Pat would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Birch Hill Terrace, the Manor at Birch Hill Terrace and The Pines at Birch Hill Terrace for their unconditional love of our Dad, their amazing care and consideration of his needs and their professional work ethic throughout his time there. They are a most amazing group of caregivers!

A celebration of life was held in his honor on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 in the Activities Room at Birch Hill Terrace, 200 Alliance Way in Manchester. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Birch Hill Terrace Benevolent Fund at 200 Alliance Way, Manchester,NH 03102, in Jack's name.

Private internment took place on Wednesday December 23, 2015, at The Veterans Cemetery in Boscawan, NH, with a Naval Honor Guard, where he will join Doris for their next adventure.