Robert E Blake, 84, has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
What you read below is one part of a life lived with quiet purpose.
Robert's story began in 1936, and unfolded across the years that followed.
Robert spent his working life as ['the FAA where he lived in Fairbanks'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Some lives stretch across generations; Robert's was one of these.
Robert E. Blake, 84 of Hurley and formerly of Denver, died Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at the Lennox Good Samaritan Center. A family service will be held in the spring. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home. Robert Earl Blake was born on December 21, 1936 at Wilmington, NC to Edward and Mary (Bell) Blake. He grew up in North Carolina where he attended school before serving in the US Air Force during the Korean War. After his discharge from the service he lived in Florida before moving to Alaska. On June 19, 1978 he was united in marriage to Carol J. Stephens in Hawaii. He was employed by the FAA where he lived in Fairbanks, AK for 26 years, retiring in 1991. He was a pilot and loved to fly, also being a bush pilot and flying charter flights in Alaska. They moved to Denver, CO and in 2013 to Hurley, SD. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Carol of Hurley and a son, Thomas VanDorp, Minneapolis, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 step sons, Robert Jr and Bruce, granddaughter Cynthia, grandson Quinten, a sister Margaret and a brother Ted.
