UPDATE: The Rev. Dr. Robert W. Blaney has died at the age of 94 in Santa Cruz, California, on November 3, 2025. His passing marks the end of a profound legacy in theology and social justice advocacy.
Blaney, who dedicated his life to ministry and education, was deeply respected for his roles as a pastor and professor. He began his ministry in 1958 in Southern California and served at multiple Methodist churches, including the Brentwood and Los Feliz Methodist Churches in Los Angeles. His academic career spanned over 30 years at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, where he taught subjects such as Social Ethics and Biomedical Ethics.
Throughout his career, Blaney was a passionate advocate for social justice, notably working on behalf of farmworkers and the LGBTQ community. He was instrumental in establishing the Council of Bishops’ Scholarship Program alongside Bishop Talbert and served on various committees that focused on Christian social concerns and higher education.
Blaney’s influence extended internationally, leading educational tours to Europe focused on significant theological figures and historical contexts, such as the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the dynamics of Christianity and Communism in Eastern Europe prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Upon retirement in 1996, Blaney remained active in his community, participating at the Aptos United Methodist Church and chairing ecumenical retreats for retired clergy. He is survived by his devoted wife, Laurel, with whom he shared over 63 years of marriage, as well as his daughters Martha and Joy, and grandchildren David, Elizabeth, and Isabella.
Blaney’s memorial service is scheduled for December 27, 2025, at 11 AM at the Aptos United Methodist Church, where family, friends, and community members will gather to honor his remarkable life and contributions.
As news of his passing spreads, tributes are pouring in from those whose lives he touched, highlighting his unwavering commitment to social justice and education. The impact he made in both the church and academia will resonate for generations to come.
For those wishing to express their condolences, options include sending flowers, planting a tree, or providing meals to the family during this difficult time.
Stay tuned for more updates on the memorial service and community tributes to this outstanding leader.
