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Kenneth Blase Obituary
Oct. 22, 1935 - Feb. 21, 2014
Resident of Camas, WA
Kenneth Wayne Blasé, 78, of Camas, WA, and formerly of San Jose, CA, passed away Friday, February 21, 2014.
Ken was born to Louis and Concordia Blasé in October 1935 in Sylvan Grove, KS. Ken attended Kansas State University, taking a 2-year hiatus for service in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany as a radio operator and cryptographer. Upon return, he graduated with a BA in Communication.
Ken met Judith Dee Stark at K-State, and they were married in April 1959. They remained a devoted, happily married couple for 55 years until Ken's death.
Ken began his news career at KAYS TV in Kansas, before moving to KWUN Radio in Concord, CA. He was then recruited to KXRX Radio in San Jose, where he served as News Director for 10 years while also teaching journalism part time at West Valley College.
Ken earned a Masters in Communication from San Jose State University and a Juris Doctorate from Lincoln Law School. He passed the bar but elected to continue his career as a journalism professor at SJSU, where he ultimately served as Director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Associate Dean of the College of Applied Sciences and Arts, and media law professor. At the conclusion of his career, Ken taught for two more years while commuting back and forth from his retirement home in Camas, WA.
Ken is survived by his wife Judith, his two daughters Lisa Blasé of San Jose and Vanessa Blasé Ness of Truckee, and two grandchildren, Michaela and Mitchell Ness of Truckee.
In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations be made to The Dr. Kenneth Blasé Journalism School Fund at the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95112
A celebration of Kenneth's life will be held on Saturday, April 26th, at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Saratoga, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Blase
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
March 23, 2014
Dear Lisa,
We are saddened to hear of the passing of your father. He will be dearly missed by many. We send heartfelt sympathy to you
and your family during this difficult time.
With much love and caring thoughts,
Jeff Leasure and Linda Musumeci
Timi Near
March 22, 2014
When Ken and Judith came to see shows, our lobby lit up with a warm blaze of light. And I'd always get a big enthusiastic bear hug from Ken. I'll never forget how happy that made me. I miss him. The Blasé Family has given so much to the arts. Thank you all!
Ed Voss
March 22, 2014
I am lucky to know Ken and Judith. My thoughts and prayers are with the Blasé family now.
March 20, 2014
Ken was a man of strength, courage, and above all a man who dearly loved his family. May he rest in peace, and may Judith and family find peace in knowing that he is no longer suffering.
Vince Driski
March 19, 2014
Ken truly was a remarkable person. His accomplishments were extraordinary. Again my condolences to you Judith & your entire family. Vince & Rhonda.
March 19, 2014
IT WAS A GIFT FOR KEN AND JUDITH TO ALLOW THE NESS FAMILY TO BE INCLUDED IN THEIR ORBIT OF SMILES AND GOOD FEELINGS.
BILL AND JANET
Calixto Manriquez
March 18, 2014
Ken was a brilliant and great man who achieved so many things in life. I'm very honored to have known him and my deepest sympathies to his lovely wife Judith, his daughters, and all those that felt his loss.
March 18, 2014
What a wonderful journey Kenneth had through life...wonderful education, family, career. May he rest in peace.
Art and Justine Dohl
March 18, 2014
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever. We will continue in our prayers love you all Shirley
March 18, 2014
Jack and I are thinking of you and the family, Judith. We know so much more that we didn't know about Ken. What a star he was and is.
Mary Lou and Jack
Jena Bailey
March 18, 2014
Lisa and Family, My Sincerest Condolences for your loss, May he rest in peace.
Judith Blase
March 18, 2014
Rest in peace, my darling husband -- being married to you for 55 years was the greatest blessing I could ever have had!
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