Benjamin Blandford

Benjamin Blandford loved his family and life. A mild mannered man with determined strength, he was an all around, easy going individual, with an appreciation for knowledge. A loving provider, his efforts of hard work allowed for memorable times spent in the company of family. He will be remembered fondly by those whose lives he touched with his joyful disposition, and inquisitive nature.

A decade of industrial expansion, the Roaring 20s was an era of prosperity and good fortune for the United States. America had a thirst for entertainment, and Charlie Chaplin was at the height of fame. The first edition of the Reader’s Digest was published, and the American Pro Football Association officially became known as the NFL. In the booming industrial city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Glen and Millie (Heinz) Blandford were enjoying prosperity of their own as they welcomed the birth of their second child, a son they named Benjamin, on February 25, 1922.

Raised on the northwest side of Grand Rapids in what was then Walker Township, Ben and his older brother Robert “Bob” enjoyed a pretty typical childhood. Even though his growing up years were during the Great Depression, Ben’s father was able to provide well for his family. He worked hard at the lumber yard he owned and operated on Alpine Avenue, N.W., having built many of the homes on Rogers Street on the northwest side of town.

The Blandfords built a cottage in Grand Haven where Ben and his family spent the summer months, and where many wonderful family memories were made. Their cottage was located right across from Grand Haven State Park, and fun filled summer days were spent at the beach. Ben attended Fairview Elementary School, and during his junior high and senior high school years, he was a dedicated member of the R.O.T.C. program, often training at Ft. Custer. Ben was a graduate of Union High School, the Class of 1940, just as the United States was on the brink of its involvement in World War II.

After graduation, Ben and a friend celebrated by venturing out on their own. They planned a road trip, pulling a small trailer behind their car that carried their luggage and supplies. While on their way to California, on infamous Route 66, they encountered several problems with tires, having to stop and fix them, often. Ben went on to Michigan State University where he was once again involved with the R.O.T.C. program. His education was abruptly interrupted in 1942, when he answered the call of his country and entered the U.S. Army. Following his completion of basic training at Ft. Hood, Texas, Ben was sent to the European Theater, serving as a 2nd Lieutenant. Shortly after his promotion to 1st Lieutenant, Ben sustained injuries while commanding a tank regime, and was later honorably awarded the Bronze Star.

Upon his discharge from service, Ben returned home to Grand Rapids, taking up where he left off at Michigan State University, and eventually graduating. After college, he went to work for his father at the lumber business. He and his brother were instrumental in building the family homes on the west side and later the north side of the city. The business was eventually transferred to Ben and his brother Bob, where Ben worked primarily as the bookkeeper. Together they operated and carried on their father’s lumber business.

A “confirmed bachelor” during the 1950s, Ben often took in the sights as he and several buddies spent time traveling to many places around the country. Quite a social fellow, Ben also enjoyed frequenting the local clubs in and around the city. It was while he was at one of these social clubs that Ben met a lady by the name of Alta Boyd. A romance soon developed, and Ben’s status as bachelor soon ended when they were happily wed in 1959. They spent their honeymoon on a memorable trip skiing. Over the years, Ben continued to enjoy the sport of snow skiing, and even broke his ankle at one point.

Ben went from “confirmed bachelor” to a married man with four children and a Cadillac! Ben‘s marriage to Alta made him an instant father to her four children. He adapted well into fatherhood, and was quite instrumental in the formative years of the children. He became a very active and involved parent, especially with their school activities. Ben and Alta soon added two additional sons of their own. They lived on the south side of town for a few years, later moving to Belknap N.E. where they raised their family.

The family often took vacations traveling throughout the United States, and purchased a cottage on Wolf Lake where they spent the summer months. While not one for the great outdoors, Ben did enjoy time at the lake, boating and waterskiing, spending memorable times with his family. Ben was an avid and interested traveler, learning interesting facts about his destination before he even arrived. He also took great interest in anything with wheels. Much more than a passing interest, trains, planes and automobiles were all new inventions during his lifetime, and he knew everything about them. He just plain liked to know how things worked. Ben’s travels usually took him to places like the Sioux Locks, and museums where cars and trains were on display in many forms.

Operating the lumber company allowed Ben to provide for his family, until he and his brother closed the business in the 1970s due to an economic downturn. It was during this time that Alta was obtaining her real estate license, and Ben would often help her study. Through helping her, he became quite interested in the real estate business, later opening his own residential real estate appraisal office that he located on Alpine N.W. His marriage to Alta eventually ended in divorce during the mid 1980s, but Ben was always able to remain close to his children.

The outgoing person that he was afforded Ben the opportunity to bounce back into the social scene. He attended many functions at the local American Legion Club and Veterans of Foreign War Clubs where he remained a lifetime member. The functions at the clubs often included dancing, and Ben loved to dance, often dancing the night away with friends. On many occasions, Ben danced with a lovely lady named Donna Frederick. Some years later, after Donna’s husband had passed away, Ben and Donna became reacquainted. After some time, they found that their affection for one another was strong, and a romance soon followed. They were married in the early 90s.

After their marriage, Ben sold his house and the two made their home in the condominium that Donna already lived in. When Ben retired from the appraisal business in 1995, at the age of 73, he and Donna purchased a home in Florida where they would spend their winters. They often began their travel there in October, heading back to Michigan in March. Donna was already a member of North Park Presbyterian Church, and together they attended church regularly.

In his free time, Ben could be found reading about history, or magazines such as National Geographic. He was an avid reader, so much so that he could read all day. And if he discovered something incorrect in a history book or story, he was sure to contact the publisher to set them straight! He was a reader of fact, never taking an interest in novels, or books without purposeful content. He did not care too much for television, but did enjoy programs like “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?“ He was very fond of history, especially books about World War II and world history in general, and quite often knew many of the answers to the questions. Even with his great interest in history and world affairs, Ben was never one for politics.

Sadly, Ben passed away quite unexpectedly while wintering in Ft. Myers, Florida on Thursday, January 22, 2009, at the age of 86.

Benjamin Blandford was an all around, easy going fellow who loved his family, and life. A mild mannered man with determined strength, Ben appreciated the gift of knowledge in the many things that he took interest in. Foremost was his family, and his efforts of hard work allowed for memorable times spent in their company. With his joyful disposition and inquisitive nature, he will be lovingly and fondly remembered.

Surviving is his wife Donna (Koon-Frederick) Blandford; his children: David Blandford, Gary and Linda Blandford; his stepchildren: Marcy Price, Lonnie Warner, Bradley and Pamela Warner, Sharon and Pete Senneker, Andy and Sandy Warner, and Michael Koon; his grandchildren: Amanda, Jessica and Tabitha Blandford; 14 step-grandchildren and nephew, Dan Blandford. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2009, 12 Noon at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien–Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E. with Rev. Katherine Martin officiating. Interment will be in Blythefield Memory Gardens. Mr. Blandford reposes at the funeral chapel where relatives and friends may meet his family on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and on Thursday from 11 AM until the time of the funeral service. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to North Park Presbyterian Church or The Michigan Heart Association are appreciated. Please visit

www.lifestorynet.com to read more about Ben’s life, share a favorite memory, submit a photo or to sign his online register book.