Donald BLAKE Obituary

BLAKE, Donald Frederick Charles
February 24, 1920 - February 1, 2012
Dad died February 1, 2012, ending the story of a life fully lived. Even in his last few days, Dad's remarkable sense of humour and compassion for others shone through; he had an innate ability to leave an impression on whomever he met. Born February 24, 1920 in High River, Alberta to pioneering hardware merchants, Dad's upbringing was deeply influenced by the experiences of growing up in a thriving farm and ranching community nestled in the foothills, an area that he deeply loved. He would often reflect on those memories and the inspiration that he drew from the individuals who built the community. This inspiration became part of his vision and is the root of his many achievements and the legacy that he leaves. Some of Dad's many accomplishments include his sixty-five year marriage to his beautiful Audrey, owner of High River Hardware, co-founder of the Link Hardware chain, fifty-year perfect attendance record of the High River Rotary Club (who honoured him with a Paul Harris fellowship award), Mayor of High River during the initial downtown revitalization, one of the founding members of the Highwood Golf and Country Club, past member of the Calgary Golf and Country Club, and active involvement on High River's school board and St. Benedict's Anglican Church. Dad and Mom moved to Calgary in 1987 and spent the remaining years developing new friendships and contributing to the communities of Horizon Village Strathcona and Dana Village and in
the last year, Dad's new home, Carewest Garrison Green. His life changed significantly in 2010 with the death of our Mom - he often acknowledged that his life successes were largely due to her unwavering support and love. He felt her presence during the last
week of his life, and his family was comforted knowing that his faith in seeing her again helped him manage his last few days.
Celebrating this fine man are his children, John and Betty Blake, Barbara and Tom Dalton, and Susan and Kevin Rich, grandchildren Laura (Jarrett), Sarah (Mark), Karen (Beau), Lindsay (Darren), Blake (Cristina), Byron, and Morgan (Royce), six great-grandchildren, his beloved sister-in- law, Joan Oborne, and cousin Maurice (Betty) Blake. The family wishes to acknowledge the staff and residents of Carewest Garrison Green for bringing joy into his life in the last year, and also the staff of Unit 81, FMC for their compassion and care in the last week. Cremation has occurred. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, February 17, 2012 at
1:30 p.m. at St. Stephen's Anglican Church, Calgary (1121 14 Avenue, S.W.). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. "What a ride, Dad!" To email condolence, please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com