Alan Philip Blackburn

October 15, 1957 - March 16, 2026

Danjolell Memorial Home of Broomall

2811 West Chester Pike

Broomall, PA 19008

610-356-4200 |

Tuesday 3/24, 10:30 am - 11:45 am

Danjolell Memorial Home of Broomall Main Chapel

2811 West Chester Pike

Broomall, PA 19008

Tuesday 3/24, 12:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Colon Cancer research fund at Penn Medicine.

LIVE STREAM FOR SERVICE: https://x.com/Danjolellbarone?t=Cjp9ZvLESykarRaQtXbYnA&s=09

Alan Philip Blackburn, 68, of Wallingford, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 16, 2026, following a short but courageous battle with cancer. Born on October 15, 1957, in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, England, to Raymond and Barbara Blackburn, Alan lived a life defined by dedication, expertise, and service.

In 1977, Alan moved to St Mawgan, Cornwall, beginning a distinguished career with the Royal Air Force. After completing his training at Cosford, he worked in the avionics bay on the Nimrod MR1, demonstrating the technical skill and precision that would define his professional life.

In July 1978, he married Nicole Pousson, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love and commitment. Together they raised three children: Natasha, born in Cornwall in 1979; Bjorn, born in Ashington in 1981; and Aaron, born in Gütersloh, Germany, in 1987.

Throughout his military career, Alan served with distinction across the United Kingdom and abroad. His work specialized in avionics and navigation systems for the Sea King, Wessex, and Chinook helicopters. His service included a 1983 deployment to the Falkland Islands and a promotion to Sergeant in 1984 while posted to Finningley. Between 1989 and 1995 at RAF Odiham, he served as a Chinook ASF Trade Manager and was deployed to Cyprus in support of operations during the First Gulf War, contributing to low-level flight operations for extractions in Beirut and Lebanon. In 1995 he emigrated to the United States with the rank of Chief Technician.

Alan was posted to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to work with the Royal Air Force at Boeing in Ridley Park. Following his retirement from the RAF, he continued his career with Boeing as a Field Service Engineer. His work took him internationally to Taiwan, Singapore and India before he eventually settled in Philadelphia as a permanent resident.

Alan was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He provided a remarkable life for his family from humble beginnings, and his strength and knowledge left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Nicole Blackburn; his children, Natasha, Bjorn (Jasmine), and Aaron (Alicia); his grandchildren, Ayanna (Vinny), Lennon, Luna, Lucas, Levi, Maverick, and Lee; his siblings, Janice Bailey (John) and Raymond Blackburn (June); brother in-law Janvier (Darren) and his niece and nephews, Iain, Martin, Duncan, Lee, Abby, Nicholas and David.

Relatives and Friends are invited to his Viewing, Tuesday March 24, 2026, 10:30 AM- 11:45 AM followed by his Funeral Service 12 NOON in the Chapel at the D’Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008. Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Colon Cancer research fund at Penn Medicine.

The Royal Air Force motto, Per Ardua ad Astra—“Through adversity to the stars”—reflects the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind. He will remain forever in our hearts.

LIVE STREAM FOR SERVICE: https://x.com/Danjolellbarone?t=Cjp9ZvLESykarRaQtXbYnA&s=09

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Danjolell Memorial Home of Broomall

2811 West Chester Pike

Broomall, PA 19008

610-356-4200 | Map

Tuesday 3/24, 10:30 am - 11:45 am

Danjolell Memorial Home of Broomall Main Chapel

2811 West Chester Pike

Broomall, PA 19008

Map

Tuesday 3/24, 12:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Colon Cancer research fund at Penn Medicine.

LIVE STREAM FOR SERVICE: https://x.com/Danjolellbarone?t=Cjp9ZvLESykarRaQtXbYnA&s=09

Tribute Video

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Incredibly sorry for your loss. Alan was such a great co-worker and friend. We will dearly miss him. God bless.

My condolences to the Blackburn family. We work together for many years during his time at Boeing. He was a great source of knowledge for me and always provide his insight with wit and wisdom. Rest in peace Al!

I will always remember Uncle Alan coming over to visit from the USA and taking it on the chin when I called you Uncle Buck, thinking I was absolutely hilarious. You've been taken far too soon. RIP, Uncle Alan xx

Rest in peace Al. I'll always remember our many chats in the UKCLO as colleagues and as a friend. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family.

I remember when he would visit my brother Martin and I when we were children living in Edinburgh. He always had a reserved demeanour but great sense of humour

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

So sad to hear the news of Alan’s passing. I’ve known Al for over 40 years, from our time working on the Sea King helicopters in support of the RAFs Search and Rescue operations, to us both enjoying a second career with Boeing. It was a friendship that endured, despite the gaps that life brings, and was such that whenever we would meet we could simply pick up where we left off. Al was one of the best. My sincere condolences to Nicole and the Blackburn family. We will never forget but as time goes by it won’t hurt to remember. Rest in Peace brother. God Bless.

Alan meant so much, to so many. I pray the Blackburn family soon finds their peace.

I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Alan B. He was my Service Engineering focal while I was supporting the Republic of Singapore Air Force, both in Australia and Singapore. We spoke almost every day - about work, family, and everything in between. I learned so much from him professionally, and I will always value those conversations. He will be truly missed. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

I will truly miss working with Alan. I first started working with Alan in 2012 and always admired his technical knowledge along with his work ethic and care for the customers he supports. May God bless Alan and his family in this time of grief. Until we meet again.........

We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our hearts and prayers.

We send our deepest condolences to Alan´s family. Alan was a great travel companion and highly respected. Alan made it possible for me to safely fly in aircraft around the world. He will be remembered and missed by all.

Quite simply a wonderfully genuine character who was full of goodness, not a malicious bone in his body. He always had time for you. I’ll not forget him taking me, my brother and sister on board a nimrod when we were youngsters and he was early in his RAF days. RIP cousin Al, you’ll be sorely missed.

What a life span of incredible experiences and knowledge, is my memory of Alan. I’ve know Alan so long I don’t remember when exactly we first met. But, I do remember countless years of working together around the world. So many times Al’s aviation expertise helped me figure out which way to go and in some cases, sort out tough situations abroad. In addition to work, many hours he and I just talking about life, family, travel, football and more. He will be terribly missed. My condolences.

Alan’s kindness, deep expertise, and unfailing willingness to help touched everyone on the Chinook platform. In Service Engineering he continually sought better ways to do things, challenged assumptions, and lived with integrity. We are profoundly grateful for the time we shared with Alan and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his presence, wisdom, and friendship will be sorely missed.

Alan, 'Thank You' for your exceptional professionalism to the United Kingdom Chinook Force. Your wise word, drive, influence and guidance all touched our own individual life's. Condolences to all of Al's family- It was a pleasure to work with you. - Chinook In-service Support Team Boeing Defence United Kingdom.

I still remember when he was here at Chandigarh during the IAF chinooks delivery time back in 2019. And that time I got the chance to know him as a person and I found a good friend & colleague . in addition , during my first visit to the US Philly site back in Oct 2022 , he was the first person I met there and he welcomed me into the Boeing Philly site. My Deepest condolences to his family . May his soul rest in peace . OM SHANTI .

I'm so very sorry to hear of Alan's passing. Alan was one of the first people I met at Boeing and was great to work with over the years. I know I speak for everyone in flight ops when I say that Alan was one of the best and he will be missed. Much love to the Blackburn family.

Alan, one of the good ones that I had the pleasure to work with. I first met Alan in Singapore and had the pleasure to work with him over the years on other projects at Boeing. We will miss him. Condolences to Al's Family - Rest In Peace.

Alan, a genuinely decent guy who supported me over my many years with Boeing. Sincere condolences to Al’s family and friends. Rest in peace Al.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Privileged to have known such a great guy, Alan has been a most helpful genuine work colleague and friend throughout my career with Boeing. I will truly miss our chats. Ryan

After knowing Alan for over 10 years his technical knowledge of the Chinook Platform has helped both the UK and Singapore significantly and his loss will be felt across the community. On a personal note Al was a good friend and we would regularly chat and put the world to rights. You will be missed greatly.

Alan you were a friend and mentor, always there for myself and others. Achievements, memories and laughs shared will be forever part of your legacy. My thoughts are with your family and friends - Rest easy mate.

Alan you will be sadly missed old friend, taken far too soon. Our thoughts are with the family at this tragic time. He was a great help to me when I arrived on the Project team in Philadelphia and this cemented a life long friendship despite being thousands of miles apart. RIP Alan.

Alan you will be missed by many, you always had time for people and helped many of us with no fuss or drama, a real friend and supporter of the UK Chinook Force, rest in peace.

It was such a lovely catch-up with cousin Alan when he visited Adelaide 8 years ago. We hadn’t seen each other since the 80’s when I was travelling in Europe and I dropped in to see him in Gutersloh. He was a lovely guy (very canny!) and I’m so sorry that he has left at such an early age. Love to Nicole and all his family.

Remembering happy RAF and Boeing times with Al, and family Sending our condolences to you all at this very sad time

Remembering good and fun times at Boeing, our sincere thoughts with you and all the family. RIP Al.

The Chinook Project Team seems like a lifetime ago - which of course it was. So much fun at the time and that was often down to you and Nicole. Great memories Al and it was nice to meet up again in Singapore years later. RIP mate.

Sad to see such a good person taken too soon. I worked with all over 20 years...while he was "Blue Suiter" for the RAF here at Boeing to Service Engineering at Boeing. He was always honest, knowledgeable and patient. Great sense of humor and just great to have a beer with. Miss you friend, rest easy.

Remembering Dear Alan at this sad time. Lots of Happy memories. RIP Alan x

I worked with Al for many years. He was honest, knowledgeable, and straight forward. But what I’ll remember most is that he was kind. The Chinook family will miss him. My condolences to his family.

In our thoughts and memories at this sad time. RIP

So sad that Alan couldn’t have stay with us for longer cancer has no boundaries my favourite memory of Alan was when I was about 10/11 I very excited when asked by my uncle Raymond if I would like to go on a caravan holiday to warkworth with my cousins Raymond Alan and Janice great holiday with everyone got pictures to prove it God bless you Alan RIP

You will be missed but always remembered ️

Lovely memories of our cousin Alan. He was much loved and will be dearly missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

Alan Philip Blackburn

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