Former NPC American Legion Post commander dies at 94, Arlington burial Aug. 3

Kenneth D. Blackshaw, a long-time member of the National Press Club and former Commander of the Club-affiliated Post 20 of the American Legion, died April 14 at the Cherrydale Health and Rehabilitation Center in Arlington. He was 94. The cause of death was kidney failure after a brief hospitalization.

Blackshaw joined the Army Air Forces in 1942 and flew 35 combat missions piloting a B-17 based in England during World War II. He retired as a colonel from the Air Force in 1963 after serving in posts in Europe and the U.S., including as a public affairs officer at the Pentagon. He organized the Air Force and NASA exhibit at the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair and worked as a civilian public affairs office for the Army and Air Force. He retired in 1997 after serving for nearly 20 years as head of public affairs for the military's Combined Federal Campaign charity fundraising drive.

Ken, often seen at the NPC wearing his signature bow tie, was born in Waterbury, Conn., and raised in Malden, Mass. He lived in McLean, Va. He will be buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetry on August 3. A Mass will be held at Ft. Myer Old Post Chapel at 10:45 a.m. and a lunch at the Fort Myer Club will follow burial ceremonies. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Blackshaw, a son, three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.