Obituary of Jonathan Thomas Blaisdell

John Blaisdell was born in Hazen, North Dakota to DeVona Yvonne LeMieux and Josiah Crosby Blaisdell. He was one of six children, Ann Langlee (John), Josh (Nancy), Mont (Cathy), Sarah Bannon (Pat), and Dave (Ginger). John married Laura Johnson in 1989 and they remained partners until the end. He was the proud father of two children, Drew and Claire, who he lavished with love and praise and bragged about endlessly. His career spanned 40 years as a successful salesman and businessman. As the owner of Portland Packaging Co, Portland, Oregon., he wasbeloved and teased by his employees, some of whom spent their entire careers at the company. He was respected and admired by customers and competitors alike. In his youth, John enjoyed sports and played quarterback on the high school football team, as well as participated in basketball and track. Before starting college he joined the National Guard and completed boot camp in Missouri. He walked onto the track team as a pole vaulter at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Famously, he did not receive a uniform when they were passed out at the beginning of his first season, but ended by receiving the award for most improved, a story that the coach tells in speeches to this day. His 1979 team was recently inducted into the Moorhead State Hall of Fame. Unfortunately he was afflicted with an addiction to alcohol and struggled mightily the last years of his life. While this condition remained with him until the end, he ultimately came to accept it, repeating that he did not fear death and was happy with the fullness of the life he had lived. John was known for his humor. During every conversation, his mind constantly searched for a joke to tell or prank to play. He was a kind and generous soul who had a certain touch with people and will be remembered fondly by many.