Bruce E. Blakely

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Oakdale High School Riverbank High School

Bruce Blakely Obituary

BRUCE E. BLAKELY JUL 28, 1934 - DEC 22, 2010 Bruce Blakely, a long time resident of Riverbank, passed away peacefully on December 22, at the age of 76, surrounded by his loving children and wife. Bruce was a graduate of Oakdale High School and was an active member of the Riverbank community for more than 60 years. He managed Copeland Lumber for 35 years; was a longtime volunteer for the Riverbank Fire Department, and also served as a member of its Board of Directors. Bruce had been active in the Riverbank Lions Club, the Riverbank Historical Society, the Riverbank Man of the Year/Citizen of the Year Club and served on the advisory committee to the Riverbank High School ROP program. He had also served as a Riverbank City Councilmen from 1966-1970 and was the first Riverbank Man of the Year in 1962. Bruce was predeceased by his first wife Norma Blakely. He is survived by his second wife Karen Blakely; his children Marilyn Blakely-Smith and son-in-law Steve of Modesto; Beth Blakely, D.C. of Sacramento; and Kurt Blakely and daughter-in-law Kaye of Stockton; grandchildren Melissa Smith and fiancee' Ryan Michels and Amanda Smith of Modesto, Dina Marawala of Hayward, and Brooke and Carter Blakely of Stockton. He is also survived by brothers, Jim Blakely and sister-in-law Edna of Easton, Maryland and Larry Blakely and sister-in-law Darlene of Portland, Oregon. Additionally he is survived by three step children, Diane Ricci and husband Ron of Bellevue, WA; Charlotte Mossgrove of Glennallen, AK, and David Thomas and wife Kelly of Denver, CO, 11 step grand- children and 1 step great grandchild. Bruce loved spending time with his family and many friends, following sports, playing cards, and traveling. He will be deeply missed by all. Private services for the family will be held. Friends are invited to a celebration of his life on Thursday, December 30 at noon at the Oakdale Country Club, 243 N. Stearns Road, Oakdale. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Riverbank Historical Society, 3237 Santa Fe, Riverbank, CA 95367. www.modbee.com/obituaries

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Published by Modesto Bee from Dec. 28 to Dec. 29, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Blakely

13 Entries

Patricia Shaefer

January 3, 2011

Dear Karen and Family, So sorry I missed Bruce's Celebration of Life. Tom and I had gone to Arizona to visit my sister, Becky Boston, and bring in the new year. He will be missed by all who knew him! He was fun to be around. We lost a lot of great people this last year!!! May you always enjoy your experiences with him and the shared holidays.

Niki (Blakely) Shaylor

January 3, 2011

Dear Karen, Marilyn, Beth and Kurt, Jim and Dad(Larry),

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

I have so many fun memories of Uncle Bruce from my childhood. As well as many laughs from stories of the 3 Blakely brothers. I don't know how Grandma didn't have a nervous breakdown.
Bruce will be greatly missed by many and I feel honored to be able to have called him my Uncle.

January 2, 2011

Dear Karen and faily,

I am sorry to hear of Bruce's death. I knew Bruce well at Oakdale Hi.

Although I did not often see Bruce after Hgh school days, I always think of him when I pass the old auction Site.

Bruce was truly one of the "good guys" and he is now again with Our Father.

i know the oly Ghost is comfroting each of you at this time.

Kim Blakely-Williams

December 30, 2010

Uncle Bruce, I have fond memories visiting you as a child, I wish I had the opportunity to see more of you when I was older (but I do appreciate the funny political jokes you would email). I always think of a big guy with a big smile & a sarcastic joke! May you rest in peace; I'll see you again one day. Our sympathy to the entire family. Love, Kim (& Bryan and Erin too)

December 30, 2010

Dear Karen, Marliyn, Kurt and Beth and family
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
It has only been a year since our mom, and Bruce's cousin, Myrna White Jones, passed away. He was a friend and almost a brother to her. She shared many happy memories with us about their time together.
Our condolances to you all.
Katie Owens, Susan Carcelli and Carrie Vellutini
The Jones Family

wendell watson

December 29, 2010

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Julie Anderson

December 29, 2010

Dear Karen,Marilyn,Beth & Kurt
I am so sorry to hear about Bruce, he was a great friend and teacher to me. He always made me laugh with his jokes. He will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time.

Steven Bordona

December 29, 2010

Dear Marilyn, Beth and Kurt
We extend our heart felt thoughts for your father's passing. The "Big Guy" was certainly a great father figure a great community figure and a great boss to me. I often still recite some of his quips and remember his fondness for the truth behind the laughter. He is one of the reasons people say, "You know, they don't make like that any longer". May his peace now be a reminder to all of us how fragile life is and the importance of keeping his memories in our hearts!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of your family

Steve and Julia Bordona

December 29, 2010

Dear Kurt, Beth & Marilyn
I am saddened by the news of your father's passing. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Kelly (Steinweden) Dossett

December 29, 2010

Sorry to hear this about Bruce. He always seemed indestructible. I knew Bruce and his wife Norma that predeceased him for quite a few years. Bruce was great to work with at Copeland Lumber and he really knew that business. Bruce cast a large shadow in Riverbank with all the things he was involved in. He will be missed. Lloyd Glasgow

December 28, 2010

Dear Kurt, Beth & Marilyn
So sorry to hear about your Dad. I remember him quick to laugh & with a big smile, all those years ago @ Fire Dept. functions. Thinking of you all.
My Sympathy,
Lela (Waddell) Holland

Karen Green

December 28, 2010

Dear Marilyn and Family -

So sorry for the loss of your father, Bruce.

Just wanted to let you know that I am sharing in your sorrow. God bless and keep you as you endure this difficult time...

Sincerely,

(Riverbank High School)

Dorothy Pitassi

December 28, 2010

Dear Karen, Kurt, Marilyn and Beth..."When someone we love becomes a Memory, that Memory becomes a Treasure." This is a quote I hold onto and I know that you all will treasure your memories of Bruce. He cast a very large shadow over those he loved. He was a very dear and constant friend to many and his sense of humor made life more bearable. We will miss him but I know of at least one soul who preceeded him has welcomed him with open arms. May God bless you all and give you His Peace.
Dorothy Pitassi and Family

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