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Eric Blake Obituary
SFC Eric Joseph BLAKE SFC Eric Blake joined the Army in 1988 just a month after turning 17. He has served with the Army Reserves, 2nd Ranger Battalion stationed on Fort Lewis, the California National Guard and the Washington National Guard. For his service in multiple deployments as well as nearly 24 years in the military he has earned numerous commendations and awards to include the Bronze Star for his actions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Army Commendation Medal, 4 Army Achievement Medals and multiple other awards. SFC Blake earned his Ranger Tab, Air Assault Badge, and the Parachutist Badge and was assigned as an Infantry Instructor, an OCS Platoon Trainer NCO as well as being an instructor for the University of Washington's ROTC program. Through his instructor positions SFC Blake has touched the lives of hundreds of soldiers. He distinguished himself as one of the most professional and proficient NCOs the Guard has ever had. SFC Blake's influence will resonate through the Guard for years as his dedication, loyalty and passion for the military will carry on through the hundreds of Soldiers who he has mentored. He was the model of a man committed to those people and organizations which he loved. Eric Blake was a person to be admired and respected, someone who always saw the best in people and went out of his way to assist others. He was always working to improve himself and was willing to share what he knew with those around him. He mentored and provided guidance to both peers and subordinates alike always willing to work with others. He is a man whose influence stretched through his church, his family and the military touching hundreds of lives. SFC Eric Blake passed away on January 20, 2012, leaving behind his wife, Kaia and his parents William and Karen Blake. Visitation today 4-8 PM at Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home, Seattle. Funeral service Sat., Jan. 28that 11:00 a.m. at Four Chaplains Memorial Chapel, Ft. Lewis. Graveside service Mon., Jan. 30th at 10:30 a.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eric Blake
Hubert Jones
February 21, 2013
Missing your Heart, still today what a great person. SECOND TO NONE.
Laura Wilson
August 19, 2012
Eric, mein Schatz, I will miss you always. You were an inspiration and a true MENSCH. I was so pleased that you and my husband got so close so quickly. You were a lifesaver in so many ways. I just love you and miss you so much that it is hard for me, and for all of us. The world is a little dimmer without your light. I pray that we will meet again some day. Rest in peace, geliebter Freund.
Ruben Sanchez Jr
May 6, 2012
ERIC! You have no idea how much you will be missed. You instilled a confidence and sense of duty to be your best in me when I first met you in 1996. Thank you for all the generous love and support you showed me, and I thank Our Heavenly Father that He gave us a chance to become friends. RIP my brother, you are sorely missed!
Andrew Ruthberg
February 26, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Eric's passing. I remember many good flights with you at United Airlines. RIP. Andrew Ruthberg
Kevin Furse
February 11, 2012
We are sorry to hear about Eric. He was a really nice guy. He will be missed by his co-workers. God Bless. Kevin Furse
Carlos F, Lopez
February 4, 2012
Eric I really enjoyed your professionalism as a Instructor assigned to GDLS. I remember when you was my wingman..We talked about our time at Ranger School. RANGER LEADS THE WAY.
May your Soul take flight....
Bob Montoya
February 3, 2012
the highest standards, integrity and compassion made you a stand out. when you went back in we all understood, our world was just not big enough for you, now your soul has the entire afterlife to expand into...we will miss you dearly.
Thanks
Bob
Randy Boswell
February 2, 2012
Eric Blake, you will be missed and I was just thinking about our conversation prior to your departure for Ft Bliss with regards to my weight. It was a Honor being your Supervisor when you first joined General Dynamics back in the days. God Bless your wife Kaia and parents, Mr. Mrs William and Karen Blake. We had alot of interesting conversations Eric, and you always did what was asked of you partner.
God Bless and rest in peace.
Randy Boswell-JBLM
Travis Cotton
January 31, 2012
I served with Eric during his first overseas deployment in Mannheim, Germany. We had only recently reconnected on Facebook and I had been remiss at keeping up with him. Now I regret that but I know Eric would have understood. He was a great friend during the time I knew him and we had some great times in Germany together. Until we serve together again friend, God bless you.
Chris & Becky Dolson
January 31, 2012
Kaia-
Sunshine and I are so sorry to hear about this. We are so concerned for you and we pray that God will help you get through these dark and difficult days. We love you and miss you.
Hubert Jones
January 30, 2012
Eric is a person I can truely call a friend had a good heart I repected a lot as a person and enjoy working with, the world need many people on this earth like you. Eric you or going to be miss may GOD bless your family. R.I.P. Hubert Jones III
Eddie White
January 30, 2012
Eric it was an honor knowing you.You were one the most dedicated instructor's and a good friend. Heaven must have needed another good instructor and called on one of the best. I will see you at the family reunion in heaven.
Jessica Rubalcava
January 29, 2012
I am honored to have been a friend of a sweet young boy that became an incredible man. He will be missed but his legacy will carry on.
Steven Anselmetti
January 28, 2012
I learned the basic leadership skills at OCS from SFC Blake between 2008-09. Saw him in El Paso just 4 months ago. He was one of the best trained and prepared Soldiers the Army had. A fabulous mentor, teacher and counselor who had the affinity to memorize the doctrines unlike anyone I have known. A true Professional of Arms. You will be missed, but your Legacy and Inspiration will carry on. My Sincere condolences to the Family.
"Sua Sponte" 2/75 Ranger Bn
Marauder..Marauder..Marauder..OVER-OUT
James Spicer
January 28, 2012
It was an honor knowing you man and having you as a friend. R.I.P. Eric!
Bob Montoya
January 28, 2012
Eric, you where hard core, honest and genuine. we liked to have fun with you over your civilian pursuits as you did with ours. You will be missed and fondly remembered forever in our hearts. May your gentle soul rest until we are all together again.
Bob Montoya
Warren Wohr
January 28, 2012
Rest In Peace Eric. I was an honor knowing and working with you. May the Lord be with Your family as well.
Richard Cody
January 28, 2012
I worked with Eric at General Dynamics, great guy, would have ejoyed serving with him in the US Army
Anthony Anderson
January 28, 2012
I worked with Eric, and attended church with Him on many occasions. Eric had a servants heart, knew and feared the Lord. God bless you Brother.
Kirk Rose
January 27, 2012
Farewell Brother; you were one of the best soldiers I had the privilege and honor to know and work with.
Joe Griffiths
January 27, 2012
Rest in piece, Eric
Thank you for your service to our country, God's speed.
Krisi Coggiano
January 27, 2012
SFC Blake was a truly inspiring person. In addition to his wealth of experience in the Army, he taught many of us things we still had to learn about life. I am proud to say that he was one of my mentors and he will be sorely missed by us all.
Daniel Dofelmier
January 27, 2012
If you were to look up NCO in the dictionary, you should find a picture of SFC Eric J. Blake. I had the honor and privilege of working with Eric. He was not only an inspiration to his students and cadets, but to his fellow Soldiers and NCO's as well. God Speed Eric!!
Will Farr
January 27, 2012
I served with SFC Blake in Ft Lewis, he was one of the most professional soldiers that I have ever worked with and am sorry to hear of his passing.
jade taylor
January 27, 2012
Did not know Eric but my heart goes out to his family.Serving in the military to protect our Country is a great honor.And the least I could do is sign his book and say thank you for your services to protect me.My condolences to his family.
Jesse Klein
January 27, 2012
He was a really great man I'm honored to be one of those lives that he touched. To be frankly honest I don't think I'd have nearly the drive or determination I currently have without ever having met him. He still serves as a point of inspiration in my life, he was and truly is, one of the most influencial people i have ever met.
-Jesse M. Klein
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