Robert (Bob) Andrew Blasko
“Chief”
September 18, 1947 – July 22, 2017
Robert A. Blasko began his amazing adventure to love, born on September 18, 1947, born in Everett Washington to his loving parents Paul and Thelma Blasko. Bob spent his youth running and playing on the shores of Whidbey Island, and attended Langley High School where he made many lifelong friends that he cherished. It was during these years he met his best friend, Joan Burley. In 1965 Bob graduated Langley High School; Bob and Joan became engaged in the fall of 1966. Bob joined the United States Coast Guard on November 28, 1966, and set him on his path as a Marine Engineer. In May of 1967 he married his best friend Joan Marie Burley, and they began an amazing love story of 50 years of a life filled with amazing adventures together. In November of 1967 they started their family with the birth of their first son Christopher, and in February of 1970 their family again grew with the birth of second son Robert. The family returned to Whidbey Island in 1972 to raise their family and have since remained residing in Maxwelton Valley. Robert retired from Washington State Ferries in 1996 after a 30 year career as a Staff Chief Engineer. Bob and Joan, along with close friends, enjoyed many great years as Seenagers traveling and playing at “Senior Summer Camp” in Arizona.
Survived by his greatest treasures; his loving wife and best friend Joan, sister Betty (husband Robert Galbreath), sons Chris and Robert (wife Kristin), grandchildren Garrett (wife Chelsea), Jon (wife Stephanie), Justin, Andrew, Nick, Emma and Jake, great grandchildren Jason, Aiden, Liam, Owen, Zoey, and many cousins, nieces and nephews in-laws that he also loved and adored.
Bob enjoyed many things, traveling, fishing, shooting, adventures, playing Farkle, helping his family, friends and neighbors. He always knew how to fix it, build it, or just make it go.
Bob was a member of many organizations including Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club, South Whidbey Yacht Club, Whidbey Island Radio Control Society.
Bob will be missed by all that knew him, but has left a legacy of love that will continue on.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2017 starting at 1 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, with a celebration of Bob’s life at Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club. Please join us celebrating his amazing life story, with your stories and remembrances of him. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.


Trinity Lutheran Church
18341 WA-525
Freeland, WA 98249

Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club
3334 Brooks Hill Rd
Langley, WA 98260