Fond Farewell: Retired Facilities Employee Steven Blackman

Steven “Steve” Blackman, who worked in Facilities Management and Services at Chico State for 31 years, passed away on February 18. He was 71.

Born in Chico on March 4, 1952, Blackman graduated from Chico High School. He was hired by Chico State in 1975 and spent his time at the University working in various capacities, including pool operator, moving services, and facilities maintenance before retiring in 2007.

Remembered for his sense of humor and hearty laugh, Blackman was a lifelong music lover whose appreciation for it grew over the years and spanned across genres. He taught himself to play guitar using the tune of The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun” and was a fan of the Beatles.

Blackman loved adventure and developed several interests over the years, including dune buggying, motorcycling, canoeing, geocaching, and RVing. He enjoyed traveling to the coast and throughout Northern California, and his trips to Death Valley left him with profound and lifelong memories, according to his family.

Blackman is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Norlie, and her husband, Eric; a granddaughter, three brothers; and numerous nieces and nephews. No services are planned. 

The University flag will be lowered in his memory on Tuesday, April 23.