Nathaniel Blatchford Died Monday, Funeral Private

The following obituary was provided by the Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home.

Nathaniel Hopkins Blatchford, 97, longtime resident of Lake Forest and the North Shore, passed away at home October 15, 2012.

Nathaniel was a graduate of Harvard University, served in the military and was a much loved volunteer teacher at Allandale School. He was a driving force behind the very successful Northbrook Speed Skating Association, coaching and mentoring for many years, his own children achieving excellence as Olympic athletes in the sport.

Beloved husband of Jacqueline; loving father of Kathy, Neil, Sally, Holly, Carol and Julie and step-father of Leslie and Christopher; cherished grandfather and great-grandfather of Laurie, Mark, Jenny, Neil Jr., Mathew, Brian, Mary, Jodi, Trevor, Miranda, Charlie, Braiden, Parker and Aiden; and adored brother of Key, Nick and sister Peggy.

A private funeral service will be held by the family. He was a dedicated father, loving husband and trusted friend. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. He died how he lived, gracefully and at peace.

For information please call Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home at (847) 831-4260.