John Robert (Bob) Blakely passed away peacefully at the age of 86 in the Melfort Hospital on February 21, 2018. He was born in Melfort on August 29, 1931 to Jack and Elsie (Richardson) Blakely. Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, Donna (McKee), sister Eva (Gary) Tarter, nieces Julie (Matt) Borcelli and Catherine Blakely, all of Seattle, Washington, sister-in-law Joan (Bruce) Mitchell of Waterloo, Ontario and sister-in-law Sheryl (Hugh) McKee of Saskatoon, SK. He is also survived by nephew Kevin (Aimee) McKee and children of Harriston, Ontario and numerous cousins. Bob was predeceased by his parents Jack and Elsie, brothers-in-law Gary Tarter and Hugh McKee. Bob was educated at Prescott School (1946), Melfort High School (1948), followed by a Diploma in Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan (1951). He became a select seed grower in 1953. He was an instructor in the winters for the Department of Education at Kelsey Institute of Technology from 1954 to 1972. In the winter of 1966 he met Donna McKee of Saskatoon. They were married in July of 1967 and farmed together until 2001. They continued to live on the farm they both loved until present day. Bob volunteered with many organizations: Saskatchewan Agriculture Grad’s Association; Rapeseed Growers Association of Saskatchewan; U of S Senate; Melfort Agriculture Society; Consolation Manor Board; Melfort & District Museum Board and All Saints Anglican Church Vestry. He was proud to receive the Distinguished Graduate in Agriculture award in 1997 from the Saskatchewan Agriculture Grads Association. Bob was an "Honorary Uncle" to many young people and took joy in their many accomplishments. His favorite pastimes included travelling, reading, jigsaw puzzles and engaging in discussions on diverse topics. He was kind, thoughtful and a great friend to many, a true gentleman. Bob will be loved, missed and never forgotten.