‘Spirit of Crystal Lake’: Bob Blazier’s 95th birthday marked with drive-by parade

Bob Blazier has been a part of many events in Crystal Lake over the past 95 years.

Tuesday night marked one more as Crystal Lake came out to celebrate everything Blazier has done for the community in honor of his 95th birthday.

For more than 10 minutes, cars paraded past The Dole in Crystal Lake where Blazier sat outside beside his wife of 72 years, Rosemary. Friends and family members honked as they drove by, stopping to say hello, drop off cards and wish him a happy birthday.

“My opportunities to stay in shape have helped a lot,” Blazier said on reaching age 95.

He currently is dealing with a broken hip, but is able to walk and said he was excited to see everyone who stopped by to celebrate.

If it happened in Crystal Lake, Blazier was probably there or part of it in some way. He was superintendent of Crystal Lake Elementary School District 47 from 1973 to 1985 and president of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce from 1990 to 2007, among other roles.

“We’ve got great affection and love for the man,” Crystal Lake Mayor Haig Haleblian said. “He’s the spirt of Crystal Lake and what Crystal Lake is all about.”

The Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce wrote on its website that Blazier “has been significantly involved in nearly every important civic event in Crystal Lake since 1980.” Under his leadership, Blazier said the chamber added 400 new members.

Blazier said people should look for ways to make a difference in their community.

“I call it opportunity. You have an opportunity to do something in your community, in your neighborhood. It’s easy to walk away from. Take the opportunity and get on the first committee or board or whatever is going on, help it grow, then get out of their way,” Blazier said.

Haleblian met Blazier about 40 years and has worked with him on several projects throughout the years. Haleblian’s wife, Hawley, grew up next door to Blazier.

“Bob would always have a bowl of black licorice for Hawley. It’s always been one of her favorite memories,” Haleblian said. “Hawley’s dad and Bob went to college together at Western Illinois University. Bob taught my father-in-law how to tie a tie.”

Throughout his life, Blazier also helped start the Raue Center for the Arts foundation, which holds an annual run named for Blazier to help raise funds for the Raue.

Blazier also was recognized for his work in Crystal Lake at the state level. Blaizer was named to the Illinois Department of Aging’s Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame in 2007.

“The guy is just full of love and compassion,” Haleblian said. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard him speak ill of anyone or anything. He’s always been positive and always has a smile. He can take a bad situation and make it feel better just from his perspective. He really is the most positive individual I know.”

Melissa Blazier, of Crystal Lake, is one of Blazier’s two grandchildren. He also has a great-grandchild.

“I’m 35. I feel very lucky to have gotten my grandparents along. I have all three, and we all live within a mile of each other,” Melissa Blazier said.

Those who know Blazier said his ability to show love for others is what makes him special.

“Besides they’re a power couple, everywhere they go, they hold hands. They’re so loving and everyone always says they’re the cutest couple in Crystal Lake, just giving of their time and other things to the community,” Melissa Blazier said.

Bob Blazier said showing others love is the key to living a long and successful life.

“If you’re married, love each other and show you each other, think about what you can do to make each other even happier, just honor each other as much as you can. Be respectful. Use words that work,” he said.