Richard Patrick Blake

RICHARD PATRICK BLAKE Richard Patrick Blake passed away peacefully at home on January 18, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, and their five children, ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Children: Dady Kathryn Blake, Kiki Blake Russler (Rick), Rick Blake (Peggy), Jim Blake, and Liz Blake Benson (Andy). Grandchildren: Brietta Russler Burns (Sean), Blake Russler (Pam), Will Russler (Shanzay), Owen Blake, Anna Blake, Blake Morgan, Bryn Morgan, Cole Morgan, Grace Benson and Reidar Benson. Great-grandchildren: Dady, Eloise and Benjamin Burns; Ridley Russler; Tuba Rose and Elaina Russler. His sister, Barbara Damm (Tom) and sister-in-law Patricia Blake also survive him and his brother Bill Blake died before him. Dick was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 30, 1930 and lived in Shorewood, Wisconsin until attending University of Illinois on a full ROTC scholarship from 1948-53, graduating with B.S. in Architectural Engineering and a Navy commission. After discharge, he and Bev returned to Milwaukee where he eventually opened his own firm. When Dick retired in 1985, the firm was BHS Inc. The sole retirement home for him and Bev was their sailboat Balena from 1985-92 when they settled ashore in Santa Fe. To celebrate their 50th anniversary they bought their last sailboat Dakili and crossed the Atlantic once more to Croatia to spend summers aboard and winters in Santa Fe. Services will be held on February 11, 2017 at 2:00 pm at The Church of the Holy Faith, 311 E. Palace, Santa Fe, NM with interment at a later date in Wisconsin in the family plot. In lieu of flowers, please make remembrances to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; PMS Hospice Services, Santa Fe, NM; Church of the Holy Faith; or charity of your choice. For additional information please visit www.avistacremationandburial.com