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2019 John O. Blackbird Memorial Award Recipient

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William (Bill) M. Blochowiak
Meeker, OK
The inaugural recipient of the John O. Blackbird Memorial Award was presented to Bill Blochowiak in recognition of His Dedication, Support and Success In the Retriever Hunting Test Community.

Bill’s interest in retrievers began in the 1970’s. In 1976, Bill became involved with Sooner Retriever Club and through the years has held every position from hunt test chair to President. To say he is committed to his beloved club is an understatement and his dedication is stronger than ever to the membership and it’s mission. Bill routinely offers his 190-acre property for club training days, hunt tests, field trials and to club members and friends to train. The Master National was also hosted on Bill’s property in 2001. 

As an owner/trainer/handler, Bill qualified dogs for the Master National in 1991, 1993, 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2017. As a Judge, Bill has over 50 points from across the country including the Master National in 1995, 2000, 2010, 2014 and 2018. 

He is also a charter member of both the Master Amateur Retriever Club and the Master National Retriever Club and served as MNRC Vice President 2002-2004 and MNRC President in 2005. In 1998 at the MNRC Business Meeting, Bill proposed to the Retriever Hunt Test Advisory Committee what we now know as “Billy’s Rule.” Allowing youth, disabled and elderly participants to run a fully trained Master Hunter or Senior Hunter dog in the Junior Stake. 
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Beyond his life in the retriever world, Bill is active in his community serving the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Oklahoma City, a number of affordable and low income housing boards, his local Ducks Unlimited Chapter and his church. Bill also served an admirable career in the U.S. Air Force at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Most importantly, however, Bill is dedicated to his wife Brenda of nearly 40 years and his family and grandchildren.
In Memory of John O. Blackbird
Online Nomination Form
John O. Blackbird Memorial Award Nomination Form (Download to print and submit)
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If you would like to mail the form, please print and Submit to: Gordon Schlichting
John O. Blackbird Memorial Award Chairman
24306 County Road #2
Cold Springs, MN 56320