William “Bill” John Blackburn, 66, passed peacefully on June 10th.

Bill was born in Broomfield, Colorado, where he lived the majority of his life. He was a beloved son, father, brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend. Alongside his family, he attended Nativity of Our Lord Church and later Regis Jesuit High School, where he fostered values that guided him throughout his life. Losing his brother at a young age inspired Bill to support people during difficult times, and led him to his calling as a police officer. Impassioned to serve the community he loved, he became the youngest sworn peace officer at the time, fulfilling his lifelong dream of joining the Broomfield Police Department. After five years at Broomfield PD, Bill transferred to the Lakewood Police Department. While at Lakewood, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix. He served the remainder of his 42-year-long career before retiring from Lakewood PD, making friends with everyone he met and becoming an early adopter of community policing. His fellow agents consistently witnessed Bill’s steadfast nature and his ability to stay grounded in kindness and humor, even in the most challenging moments.

In 1987, Bill was chosen to be the Assistant Environmental Manager for the City of Lakewood and a member of the Hazardous Materials Team. In this role, he was recognized as an expert in the field throughout the state and was asked to serve as an adjunct instructor for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia, specializing in Advanced Environmental Crimes Investigation and Incident Command. He shared his expertise with law enforcement professionals across the country and also became an adjunct professor at Red Rocks Community College. In 1993, he was one of only 70 people selected nationwide to become certified as an emergency manager by the National Commission for Certification of Emergency Managers. Bill served as an agent and later a supervisor for the Lakewood Special Enforcement Team and the Special Investigation Unit. He also supervised the Watch II Traffic team and Lakewood Bomb Squad, as well as representing Lakewood PD as a member of the West Metro Drug Task Force. He earned multiple meritorious service medals for his life-saving actions throughout his years of service.

He volunteered his time and expertise sitting on the Jefferson County Hazardous Substance Response Authority Board for several years and serving as the Chairman for Board of Directors for Adams/Jefferson County Hazardous Material Team, for which he earned various Community Service awards. He also volunteered in the West Adams County Volunteer Fire Department at the rank of Captain.

After retiring, he worked part-time with Denver Metro Security, spending time with many friends and fellow retired police agents. He enjoyed being able to bring Gringo with him on ride-alongs. He even made sure he kept up with their fashion trend of wearing matching outfits, getting Gringo a matching work vest.

Bill met Jill, a police sergeant from a neighboring department in 1979 and they married 5 years later. They were married for over 40 years and built a life and family together. They both took great pride and joy in their son, Justin, and daughter, Laura Beth. Bill loved being a father and spent time teaching both children life-lessons, practical skills, and values to guide their lives. He and Justin enjoyed exploring Colorado’s “ghost towns,” boating, 4-wheeling, shooting, and riding snowmobiles. When Laura Beth was in elementary school, Bill volunteered to be the “room mom” in several of her classrooms, and was the favorite chaperone on every field trip. He shared her love of baseball and cherished the trip they took to see Yankee Stadium and Cooperstown. Through every season of life, Bill and Jill remained side by side, a steady love and enduring commitment, facing both joys and hardships. They enjoyed retirement together traveling, RV-ing, boating, wine and whisky tasting, and spending time with the kids and as a family. Bill was holding Jill’s hand as she passed at their lakehouse in 2025.

Those who knew Bill enjoyed his sense of humor and his ornery streak. He was known for practical jokes, teasing his friends and loved ones, and always having a quip, one-liner, or funny comeback ready. Bill loved to spend his free time driving the boat while Jill and their friends waterskied, especially at Navajo Lake. He enjoyed fishing and exploring all areas of Colorado, first with his father, and later with his children. He loved watching funny movies and television with his family and friends. He enjoyed puzzles, crosswords, and trivia, and sharing little-known tidbits (usually about Colorado history). Bill loved driving anything with wheels: from snowmobiles, waverunners, and boats, to tractors and ATV’s. Not only did he teach both children to tow and back up any trailer, he passed his passion down to his grandson, who already shares his love of driving and all vehicles.

After his diagnosis, his son facilitated a family trip to fulfill some of Bill’s dreams. The family traveled together to see Bill’s father’s hometown in Kentucky, where he delighted in a toast of Kentucky bourbon and a reunion with his cousins. Bill revisited his favorite family trip destination from childhood: Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. He shared the spot, which he found beautiful and inspiring, with his children and grandson. He also fulfilled a life-long wish – dropping a fishing line in the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, with Steyr, Justin, and Laura Beth. We will cherish the memories of this special time together.

Bill is survived by his mother, Patricia Blackburn; his sisters, Pat Alger, Ann (David) Karns, and Sandra (Don) Stevenson; his children, Justin (Kelli) Blackburn and Laura Beth (Rashedah) Waltz; his grandson, Steyr Blackburn; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; his best friend and police partner, Dave (Lori) Hoover; and his beloved dog, Gringo.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jill Blackburn; his father, Virgil Blackburn; and his brother, Steven Blackburn.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to share a story or memory (either on the tribute wall below or by sending a written remembrance), or make a donation to the Lakewood Police Employee Assistance Fund.

A recitation of the holy rosary, followed by a celebration of Bill’s life and a reception, will be held at 12:30 on July 16, 2026 at Horan & McConaty, located at 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd in Lakewood.