Ed "Papa-Bear" Blackmore left this dimension in late March 2026. We like to think his sudden departure was to play a gig on the main stage on the other side. He soldered together a life built on music, circuitry, and chemistry. He spent his free time playing music, writing songs, and building amazing custom amps. He worked for decades at Yamaha Music and was the guy the pros would call when things didn’t sound quite right. The only times he had a cell phone in the house were when big names like Elton John were on tour and would maybe need his after-hours help with their soundboard. He was a free-thinker who didn't buy into the hype of modern conveniences, organized religion, or authoritarian governmental control. 

He loved the blues, rock and roll, sci-fi novels, movies, popcorn, witty characters, and Elvira. Though he was a private guy, he had an easy charm, and could shoot the breeze with just about anyone. If you were lucky enough to know his particular brand of humor, you likely saw his sensitive soul, too. He left behind a small mountain of original songs and enough amps, guitars, basses, tubes, circuits, and tools to open a “bitch’in” music shop, and probably a hardware store too. He will be missed but never forgotten by his daughter, Amaris, daughter-in-law Dr.CK, ex-wife Tina, sister Nancy, and friends, who all carry a piece of his story. 

If you would like to celebrate Ed,  listen to your favorite song, watch the sunset somewhere beautiful, or go see some live music and get out on the dance floor. 

May he rock in peace!