1925
Kenneth
2015
Kenneth D. Blake, Jr.
April 21, 1925 — December 30, 2015
Kenneth D. Blake, Jr., 90
West Brookfield - Kenneth D. Blake, Jr., 90, died on December 30, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family after a hard fought battle with bone cancer.
He was born in Woodsville, NH, the son of Kenneth D. Blake and Erma (Curtis) Blake.
He leaves his wife of 64 years, Barbara (Patingre) Blake; his son, Jonathan and his wife Elizabeth; his son, Peter Blake; his daughter, Pamela Blake Courtney; a brother, Robert Blake; a sister, Elizabeth Niergarth of Westfield; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Curtis F. Blake and Gerry S. Blake.
He was inducted into the Army Air Force at age 18 and became a tail gunner on a B-24, flying 50 missions in WWII. In 2013 he was awarded the French Legion of Honor medal, France's highest honor. He attended the University of Vermont, received his Bachelor's Degree from American International College and his Masters of Education Degree from Westfield State College.
Kenneth started teaching at Tantasqua Regional High School in 1962 and retired in 1990. He then volunteered teaching literacy with his wife Barbara for several years.
For many years, Ken and Barb were members of the Friendship Force, hosting guests from overseas and traveling to many homes in Japan, Ireland, the British Isles, Mexico, and Germany, where many friendships were forged and remain to this day.
Many will remember Ken as an avid walker until the onset of his illness. Others will remember him fondly as a dedicated teacher, and have remained in touch with him since his retirement.
A Celebration of Life Service for Kenneth will be held Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 6:00 PM in the Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., West Brookfield. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 4 to 6 PM in the funeral home.
West Brookfield - Kenneth D. Blake, Jr., 90, died on December 30, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family after a hard fought battle with bone cancer.
He was born in Woodsville, NH, the son of Kenneth D. Blake and Erma (Curtis) Blake.
He leaves his wife of 64 years, Barbara (Patingre) Blake; his son, Jonathan and his wife Elizabeth; his son, Peter Blake; his daughter, Pamela Blake Courtney; a brother, Robert Blake; a sister, Elizabeth Niergarth of Westfield; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Curtis F. Blake and Gerry S. Blake.
He was inducted into the Army Air Force at age 18 and became a tail gunner on a B-24, flying 50 missions in WWII. In 2013 he was awarded the French Legion of Honor medal, France's highest honor. He attended the University of Vermont, received his Bachelor's Degree from American International College and his Masters of Education Degree from Westfield State College.
Kenneth started teaching at Tantasqua Regional High School in 1962 and retired in 1990. He then volunteered teaching literacy with his wife Barbara for several years.
For many years, Ken and Barb were members of the Friendship Force, hosting guests from overseas and traveling to many homes in Japan, Ireland, the British Isles, Mexico, and Germany, where many friendships were forged and remain to this day.
Many will remember Ken as an avid walker until the onset of his illness. Others will remember him fondly as a dedicated teacher, and have remained in touch with him since his retirement.
A Celebration of Life Service for Kenneth will be held Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 6:00 PM in the Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., West Brookfield. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 4 to 6 PM in the funeral home.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth D. Blake, Jr., please visit our flower store.
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