jerry house
Monday January 12, 2015 at
4:52 PM
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Dear Mr. Blinn's Family,
Just found out of the passing of Mr. Blinn. He was an inspiration to me as a student at Greenville High. I have always thought that my education at Greenville was excellent; the teaching staff was outstanding. Mr Blinn was a favorite. He was inspirational and devoted to ensure us the best education. Also, I wish all young people now could also have a drivers ed teacher comparable to him. Thanks for the memories: your teaching, help, guidance, field trips, and your inspirational cool home.
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Duane Putnam
Wednesday September 24, 2014 at
6:07 AM
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Dear Blinn Family, Tom and I became good friends as I started my teaching career at Greenville High. Being across the hall from Tom, we spoke often due to helping mutual students with projects. Once I rebuilt his antique wheel barrow, when he downsized homes he gave it to me. It will be a continuous memory of him for me. I truly enjoyed our camaraderie and knowing him as a Veteran Hero; A sincere genuine quality human being. And He liked to tell me about his son's work. Peace to you all.
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Wendy (Eastman) Nyman
Sunday September 21, 2014 at
5:58 AM
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Mr. Blinn was my art teacher in the med to late 1960's. He always had a kind word when we met, even all these years later! He was a wonderful teacher and will be greatly missed.
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Karey Jensen (Enness)
Wednesday September 17, 2014 at
8:07 AM
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As I was a caregiver for Tom. He was a wonderful kind man. I enjoyed our time we got to know each other. It was my pleasure to take care of him in his home and he will be dearly missed!
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duane chambers
Monday September 15, 2014 at
9:32 AM
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Tom was one of the first teachers that I met as I started my teaching in Greenville. Teaching in the history area Tom was one who I got first hand information on WWII. Those who did not know him missed out. Those who did will miss him.
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William Goupell, Jr.
Friday September 12, 2014 at
3:17 PM
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Mr. Blinn was a teacher. I know many would say "...Duh!", Mr. Blinn was a teacher who lived the life and he gave. He would ask you all kind of questions about you art. He wanted you to open you eyes, your feelings, and your heart,wider than before. He wanted each student, even if they wasn't artistic, to appreciate others pieces. Not to criticize but see, feeling the piece. Mr. Blinn always pushed me further. To expand my knowledge of all artist, century, and forms of art. Mr. Blinn inspired me to grow. Mr. Blinn was a "teacher". And I'm still his student.
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Kittie Bouwman Rudel
Tuesday September 9, 2014 at
8:43 PM
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My art teacher in early 60's. He even came to my class's 45th reunion with Mrs. Blinn. Very nice man. He had an impact on me.
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Dawn Elliott
Tuesday August 19, 2014 at
1:21 PM
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Mr. Blinn touched so many lives as a teacher. He was an inspiration to me as a teenager and influenced my outlook on life and art. He would allow me to stay after school and work on pieces, and he would tell me stories of his life adventures. In college, I would see him in the MCC art room sculpting away. It was always a delight to spend time talking with him. He will be greatly missed.
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Jon and Joyce Wise
Friday August 15, 2014 at
1:04 AM
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I also had both Tom and Marjorie Blinn as my art teachers in Greenville. I wasn't very artistic, but they were good teachers and I remember them fondly. It was always nice to see them driving their vintage automobile in parades over the years. Greenville is certainly a better place because of the Blinns.
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Vanessa Human
Monday August 11, 2014 at
6:50 PM
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I had Mr. Blinn for art when I was in school. He was a wonderful teacher and will be missed greatly.
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Sister Marie Therese Poliquin
Saturday August 9, 2014 at
10:41 PM
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Dear Jim and Amanda, Peter, and Herman,
I am sorry to learn of Tom's death. I rejoice that he has arrived at his heavenly resting place where he rejoins his parents and his beloved Marjorie. I am so very glad that I could make that last trip to Greenville in 2010. Please keep me posted about the date of your father's funeral.
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Jill Wheeler
Tazijill2@aol.com
Thursday August 7, 2014 at
12:00 AM
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Im so sorry for your loss! Iremember the fun times in Mr. Blinns art classes. He taught me alot about art, and gave me considerable encouragement. I also remember art classes with Mrs. Blinn in younger years. I remember them both fondly.
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Kathy Freeland
Kathy_heidel@yahoo.com
Wednesday August 6, 2014 at
1:58 PM
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I will never forget you Mr. Blinn.
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Betty Gonzalez
Tuesday August 5, 2014 at
11:31 PM
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He was a great teacher and a genuinely nice person.
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Michael Schreiner
Tuesday August 5, 2014 at
6:53 PM
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One of the best in the Greenville school system. He could have written a book on how to be a great teacher. Thanks for the memories. My son is a teacher and I like to believe there is a little of Tom Blinn in his blood!
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Zoe ( Dethlefsen ) Mantlo
Tuesday August 5, 2014 at
12:45 PM
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Peter so sorry for you and your brother's loss.I enjoyed the 4 years i had him as a teacher. He was a friend and a very funny person.He will be missed.
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William Thiedeman
Tuesday August 5, 2014 at
9:16 AM
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A honor and blessing to know Tom. We attended church together, were board members together at Fighting Falcon. His art work in the church is amazing. One should join us and view them. Tom was one who entered France through Normandy and was part of our winning WWII. Many tales of those days he shared with me.
GOD BLESS.
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Heidi Suremann
Tuesday August 5, 2014 at
8:33 AM
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I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Blinn was my favorite teacher in highschool and kept in touch for several years after. He was a kind and funny man who helped me find art-related jobs in the community. He will be missed.
Heidi Suremann (class of 83)
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Susan (Katterjohn) Higgins
Tuesday August 5, 2014 at
8:21 AM
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Mr. Blinn was my art teacher in high school in the early 60s. He was my favorite teacher. He was always so encouraging of our natural talent, ability, and desires. I will miss him dearly. My condolences to his family. I will be praying for you.
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Theresa Saur Brace
Monday August 4, 2014 at
9:35 PM
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Mr. Blinn was my mentor for years. I loved going to art class for he believed in me. I treasure the sculpture he made for me and the kind note he hand delivered to me in 1999. Mr. Blinn, you made me who I am today. Thank you so much for being you. Theresa
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E.Lisa (Human) Alber
Monday August 4, 2014 at
8:07 PM
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Jim,
I am so sorry for your loss. I loved art class with your dad. I remember when we spent time after school talking the one time you did your presentation. My prayers are with you and your family at this time!
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Ron Porter
Monday August 4, 2014 at
5:23 PM
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My art teacher in the 60's. What a wonderful man just to be with and talk to. He will be missed. He is now with his bride he missed so much! Condolence to the family!
Ron & Cheryl Porter
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Sara (Billings) Garnett
Monday August 4, 2014 at
4:25 PM
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What a patient and gifted person he was. Even though I wasn't especially artistic he kept me motivated and I loved his class. He had a positive impact on all he taught. My condolences to his family.
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Betsy R Curtis
Monday August 4, 2014 at
12:02 PM
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Mr. Blinn was my art teacher in the 60s. He had infinite patience with me as I explored an artists many avenues of expression. My condolences to his family.
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Teresa Hansen Smith
Sunday August 3, 2014 at
8:29 PM
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I have so many fond memories of Mr. Blinn. He was such a Cool Teacher. And I remember our ride in his Antique Car. Rest in peace.
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Karen (Harris)Young
Sunday August 3, 2014 at
7:46 PM
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What a great teacher I still have somethings I made in his class . He will be missed .
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Tina (McLoud)Bush
Sunday August 3, 2014 at
7:42 PM
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I would like to send my condolences to the family. Tom and his wife were my favorite teachers in school.While in high school I was an active member in the school art club. He helped me see art through new eyes. May the family find comfort in knowing how many young minds he help mold.
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Candace (Jaehnig) Larkin
Sunday August 3, 2014 at
4:21 PM
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Mr. Blinn was a good friend of our family as well as my Driver Education instructor in 1964. He wasn't too pleased with me when I drove from Lakeview to Greenville with the emergency brake on! My sincere condolences to you, Jim and Peter, and your family. He was such a nice man.
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Tom Blinn, 88, died Friday evening, August 1, 2014 at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital in East Grand Rapids. He was born August 29, 1926 in Detroit, the son of Thomas W. Blinn and wife
Grace Clay. He served in the Army and worked on The Stars and Stripes during and after World War II. Tom taught art in the Greenville school system for over 30 years and played an active role at St. Paul's Episcopal Church as warden, lay reader, and designer/sculptor for much of its artwork. He was also a founding member of the Fighting Falcon Military Museum and belonged to the Flat River Historical Society, the Washington Club, the Flat River Antique Car Club, and the Michigan Education Association. His wife Marjorie, whom he married in 1952, preceded him in death in 2010. Tom is survived by two sons, Jim (Amanda) of Seattle, WA, and Peter; and a grandson, Herman Blinn. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 20, 2014 at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Greenville, with Rev. David Brower officiating. Contributions to the Fighting Falcon Military Museum would be welcome.
