John (who went by Jack) was employed as a Brewer by Anheuser-Busch in Van Nuys for 27 years – mostly on the midnight shift.

Jack was on his way to work during the rain storm when his Mazda truck hydroplaned, hit the center divider, flipped and slid back into lanes. He was then hit by the Nissan car, which was then hit by a third vehicle, which took out the back half of the small car where the four children were riding.

Jack’s passion was working on his home and property in Lockwood Valley. He moved there approx 4 years ago from Santa Clarita.

Jack is survived by one brother Rick Blackburn (Ann), also of Lockwood Valley; his mother Betty Blackburn, three sisters MaryBeth Meehan (Patrick), Jane Campbell (Tim), and Susan Blackburn, all from the Chicago area, and 11 nieces and nephews.

Jack had a lot of friends on the mountain and from work and will be greatly missed.

A short Memorial service is scheduled for Friday, April 16, 11 a.m. in the Chapel at Eternal Valley Cemetery in Santa Clarita.

From Ann Morgan

This is part of the April 09, 2010 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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