Obituary for Robert R. Blackington Robert “Bob” Blackington of Portsmouth, NH, a Native American of the Penobscot Tribe, crossed over at the age of 60 on October 27th in Brentwood, New Hampshire. Bob was known to all as a gentle, charismatic, and spiritual soul, who was devoted to his family and friends. The youngest of eight children, Bob grew up in the Brownsville-Windsor area of Vermont.
Though predeceased by parents, Elinor, a nurse, Eugene, a machinist, and siblings Betty and Alan, Bob enjoyed spending time with his family on the farm and exploring Mount Ascutney in Vermont. After graduating high school, he married Wendy Rhoad. The couple moved to New York, so he could attend the Horticultural Management program at SUNY-Cobleskill.
They welcomed their first son, Christopher in 1981, and their second son, Todd in 1983. After college, Bob looked all around New England to find the best place for him to begin his career as a horticulturalist and landscape architect. It was then the couple found seacoast New Hampshire, eventually settling in Portsmouth.
Bob began his work, and quickly established a great reputation with his clients for his elaborate and detailed work. Some career highlights include the restoration of the Governor Wentworth Mansion lilac garden and restoration of the stone wall at the Temple Israel in Portsmouth. Bob received the President’s Award and several other recognitions for his presentations at multiple Boston Flower Shows.
Eventually, Bob opened Gardens East with Kathy McRae, specializing in perennial beds and peonies. Years later, he began his own company, Tenderleaf Perennials, located in Hampton Falls. In 1996, he became involved with the well-loved Tonry Christmas Tree Farm in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire.
For the next twelve years, Bob would help then-farm manager and friend Abby Tonry around the farm. In 2006, Abby and Bob were married at the “Top of the World” in St. John, USVI. Together, they built a beautiful cedar home on the tree farm property; they enjoyed wine parties on their deck with friends overlooking the natural beauty of the farm.
In October 2010, Bob suffered a massive stroke, after which he was forced to find his new normal. During this period, Bob spent time in Lebanon, New Hampshire at the Rogers House, where he made many new friends. He became especially close to Madeline, his neighbor with whom he’d exchange a Native teaching for a Bible passage; he often remarked at the similarities in the teachings.
After several years there, Bob was elated to return to Portsmouth as a resident of Betty’s Dream, an independent living facility for adults with disabilities. There, he would tend to his raised garden beds, fatten up his squirrel buddy George, and visit with his sons and grandchildren until his final days. Throughout his life, Bob embraced his heritage, immersing himself in Native teachings, powwows, and as a member of the Eastern Mountain Spirit Drum.
He was a passionate drummer and singer, and eager to share his love for Native culture with his children and grandchildren. Bob is survived by his sons Christopher and his wife Natalie and Todd, his wife Ashley, their three children Aoife, Beau, and Greta; his beloved Abby Tonry; siblings Barbara, Brian, Dale, Karen, and Leland. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, and members of the Native community.
A celebration of life for Bob will happen in the spring. In lieu of gifts, the family asks all to remember Bob by nourishing, cultivating, contributing to, and appreciating Earth, so her children can see her as Bob did, for years to come. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert R. Blackington please visit our Sympathy Store.
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