8 Entries
Bryan Mockridge
February 7, 2013
For half a century, Philip Blake has been my trusted and reliable friend. When we first met at Marcellin College, it was immediately obvious that he was involved in more than most. The whole family helped in the dairy – Patricia, Philip, Kevin and Denise. Philip also played the accordian and was already involved in politics. This boy with the fizzy red hair always had more enterprising, adventurous, riskier ideas than the rest of the gang - Greg Sotheran (here today), Mike Harvey, Philip Cowsill & Matthew Doran, who all have sent their sympathies.
I was asked if Philip was a warm person. No, I replied, he was a HOT person. He always had an opinion on every issue. He would argue about absolutely anything. In particular, he had enthusiatic optimism in the face of hopeless odds. We soon learnt this when we were his partner playing 500 in the school prefects room. In his support for Social Credit.
Twice in University Raft Races from Devonport to Orakei, when we actually ended up at Bean Rock lighthouse.
Philip's major achievement at university was six times giving up smoking, alternatively with Greg Sotheran, which simply meant that one stopped buying, and instead bludged off the other.
Philip's idea of OE was hitching around the South Island for a month or so with Greg. On his return, he got a job at the Tokoroa timber yard, and after a few weeks they discovered he could count, so they put him in the office where he started a career in accounting. Philip always contributed a high degree of competence and reliability, and now got involved with computers. I remember him arguing how CPM operating system was going to dominate Microsoft DOS.
A third of a century ago, he met Roseann, and moved to Thames to work at Toyota for almost 20 years.
His most notable achievement there was getting the expensive tie his wife bought him caught in the shredder.
Then he set up Piaggi Systems computer shop, that later became a Dick Smith store. Although always involved in so many things, Philip always remembered his family and friends.We particularly admire him for successfully bringing up as many children as the rest of our gang put together. His most important legacy for us are Gerrard, Jean, Stefan, Anthony, Nicolas and Hillary.
Through them, we will remember him.
Michael Harvey
January 31, 2013
Dear Philip, We were mates at school, fellow musicians, we played Rugby together. It was a long time ago, yet it feels as close as yesterday.
Rest in peace with God, Mike.
(Michael Harvey)
Heather Bell
January 31, 2013
Philip, Wonderful memories of a very kind kind man with compassion and integrity. Thank you. It was a pleasure and a priviledge to know you.
Christine Shadbolt
January 31, 2013
Dear wonderful Philip, I will always remember the many "firsts" you gave me: My first (and last) motorcycle ride, my first concert (with your friend Michael Harvey playing piano), my first singing telegram, our first decent car (red one too!), our first computer (the boys were rapt). Thankyou for all the wonderful times. May the angels now sing your praises.
January 31, 2013
BLAKE, Philip Michael. On January 28, 2013 in Thames. Talented and wonderful brother, finally at rest. You will always be in my heart. Denise.
January 31, 2013
BLAKE, Philip Michael. Passed away Monday 28 January 2013. Dearly loved son of the late Margaret and Mervyn. Loved brother and brother-in- law of Trish and Paul Henry and loved Uncle of Amy, Michael and families. May He Rest In Peace.
January 31, 2013
BLAKE, Philip Michael. On January 28, 2013 in Thames. Uncle of Cheryl and Dave, Rachael and Mark, and children, Craig and Patrick. Now you are at peace.
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