Longtime Laguna Beach resident and a former mayor, Kathleen Blackburn, died Monday, March 16, from compounding medical complications resulting from a car accident 34 years ago, said her husband, Bill Blackburn. She was 71.
Mrs. Blackburn was a former Laguna Beach City Council member instrumental in bringing the Montage resort to south Laguna and opening Treasure Island and Goff beach to the public, according to city reports. “That was her proudest moment,” said Mr. Blackburn.
He said his wife underwent a successful operation two months ago at Keck Medical Center at USC to address accumulating complications from injuries due to the accident. She was in a coma and took a year and a half to recover from the accident, according to reports.
Since the accident, associated problems, including recurring infections, were compromising her health. “As time has gone on, she had to do something about it,” Mr. Blackburn said. “The operation was successful but she was so weak, it was hard to get well.”
The car accident occurred on ice-slick roads during a ski trip in Idaho. Their 12-year-old daughter, Cameron, was killed in the accident. The Blackburns had two children. Their son, David, died from cancer eight years ago at age 40.
The Blackburns established scholarship awards for both Cameron and David. The Cameron Blackburn Memorial Scholarship at Laguna Beach High School honors a girl with outstanding academic and athletic ability with $4,000. A scholarship at Stanford University, where their son attended, is also awarded annually in their children’s names, providing full tuition to the university for four students.
A private memorial service for family members will be held soon, Mr. Blackburn said. A community service is being planned to “celebrate Kathleen” in a couple of months, he said. “I want this to be her party and for people just to have fun,” he said. “We’re planning a celebration of life.”
The Blackburns built their home in Three Arch Bay 40 years ago and have lived there since. In addition to the city council, where Mrs. Blackburn served from 1992 to 2000, she was also involved with the PTA, the annexation of South Laguna, the predecessor to Mission Hospital-Laguna Beach and preserving Laguna Canyon as open space. She was graduated phi beta kappa from UC Berkeley at 20 and was doing graduate work at the brain research institute at UCLA before marrying, Mr. Blackburn said.
Elegant, intelligent, thoughtful and armed with an incredible sense of humor. As both a council member and a citizen, Kathleen did as much for Laguna as just about anyone. She will be greatly missed, but that smile can never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are will Bill and the family.
A wonderful lady and an incredibly strong family. She touched many lives in a most positive way. BB
This is so sad.
Kathleen was a lovely woman, and they were a great couple.
I first met Kathleen Asaro in grammar school.
My profound sympathies to Bill.
GM
Bill
My thoughts and prayers are with you – I have great memories of you and Kathleen. Sorry I never got to follow up. I did see Kathleen about a year ago and it was wonderful. She was the best patient I ever had – what a smile.
Mike
[…] Former Mayor Blackburn Dies – Since the accident, associated problems, including recurring infections, were compromising her health. “As time has gone on, she had to do something about it,” Mr. Blackburn said. “The operation was successful but she was so weak, it was hard to get … […]
[…] Former Mayor Blackburn Dies – In addition to the city council, where Mrs. Blackburn served from 1992 to 2000, she was also involved with the PTA, the annexation of South Laguna, the predecessor to Mission Hospital-Laguna Beach and preserving Laguna Canyon as open space. She was … […]