URGENT UPDATE: The community mourns the loss of Rev. Dr. Robert W. Blaney, who passed away peacefully at home in Santa Cruz on November 3, 2025, at the age of 94. His death marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to faith, education, and social justice.
Blaney was a prominent figure in the Methodist Church and a beloved educator at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, where he taught for over 30 years. He was known for courses on Social Ethics, Biomedical Ethics, and Human Sexuality, influencing countless students and advocating for progressive social change. His commitment to justice extended to supporting farmworkers, the LGBTQ community, and other marginalized groups.
Born in 1931, Blaney studied in Mexico, Geneva, and Berlin, earning his Masters in Divinity and a Doctorate in Theology from Boston University School of Theology. He began his pastoral career in 1958, serving churches in Southern California before transitioning to academia. His leadership as Chair of the Religious Studies Department at UOP was marked by initiatives that bridged the church and education.
Blaney was instrumental in establishing the Council of Bishops’ Scholarship Program alongside Bishop Talbert, furthering educational opportunities for aspiring ministers. His advocacy for social justice was not just confined to the classroom; he also led educational tours to Europe, including significant studies on Bonhoeffer and the intersection of Christianity and Communism.
He is survived by his loving wife, Laurel, their daughters Martha and Joy, and grandchildren David, Elizabeth, and Isabella. The couple, who met in Maine, shared over 63 years of marriage, embodying a partnership grounded in faith and service.
A memorial service is scheduled for December 27 at Aptos United Methodist Church at 11 AM, where friends and family will gather to celebrate Blaney’s life and legacy.
As the community reflects on his profound impact, tributes are pouring in from former students, colleagues, and parishioners, all of whom honor a man who dedicated his life to teaching, leading, and advocating for a more just world.
Share your memories and condolences as we remember a true champion of faith and social justice.
