The American Saddlebred industry is mourning the loss of longtime Saddlebred breeder and exhibitor Barbara J. Blacklaw, who died Friday morning, January 26, in Palm Springs, CA.

Barbara and her husband of nearly 50 years, Bill Blacklaw, operated Singing Hills Stables in Oregon City, OR, for the past 39 years, breeding and training American Saddlebreds. Together their contribution to the Saddlebred industry in the Northwest and across the country has been remarkable. Barbara's love of the American Saddlebred propelled her success as both a breeder and exhibitor. She was committed to the promotion of the breed and was admired by her peers and her friends for her pure enjoyment of competition, whether she was riding, driving or a spectator.

Barbara is survived by her husband, her son Barry Blacklaw and three grandchildren.

The memorial service for Blacklaw will be held February 10, 2007, at noon Pacific Time at Grand View Baptist Church in Beavercreek, OR. A gathering of friends and family will follow immediately at Singing Hills Stables. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Checks should include “for cancer research” on the memo line and a note stating the donation is in memory of Barbara Blacklaw.

Checks may be mailed to:
Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
1121 SW Salmon St.
Suite 201
Portland, OR 97205
Phone number: (503) 228-1730

Services to be held at:
Grand View Baptist Church
14855 S. Leland Rd.
Beavercreek, OR 97004

Gathering of friends and family following services at:
Singing Hills Stables
22396 S. Parrot Creek Rd.
Oregon City, OR 97045


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