Michael Blake

Michael "Mike" Blake was smart, funny, adventurous, loving, family-oriented, old-fashioned, fun-loving, animal lover, believer in God, open minded and a little bit stubborn. Before we go on, also know that Mike was and is more than this obituary can hold. His story and his impact would take volumes to tell and what lies herein are merely the highlights.
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, on January 13, 1947, Mike was a man of many passions, each contributing to the colorful tapestry of his life. As the great Mark Twain once said, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started," and Mike's life was a testament to these words. His curiosity, zest for life, and ability to embrace change and new experiences made him a beacon of positivity and a constant source of inspiration.
Mike's military career began at the tender age of 22 when he joined the U.S. Air Force and served for 16 years, leaving with the rank of Captain. His discipline and commitment in the military translated seamlessly to his civilian life as he worked in finance roles for Kentucky State University, The Civil Air Patrol, and Extra Space Storage. In an unexpected twist after retirement, he discovered the joys of being a Substitute Teacher in the Gilbert Public School District in Arizona. His love for trivia, game shows, and learning made him a natural in the classroom, and he brought joy to his students until his final retirement.
Outside his professional life, Mike was a man of diverse interests. He cherished playing cards and trivia with friends, watching everything from Survivor to the British Bake Off, and binge-watching Netflix series. He also loved sports - especially football and basketball. He had a taste for the exciting, reflected in his love for action and suspense movies. His adventurous spirit also found expression in his passion for running, which he discovered at 66- racking up over 100 half marathons and several full marathons in a matter of a few years- proving that it's never too late to pick up new hobbies. Mike loved the culinary arts, cooking, and exploring new restaurants-even buying cookbooks that he never read. He also loved to travel - especially cruising - to experience new places, and try new things. His greatest hobby, however, was his love for people.
Mike was always wondering about his family and friends, wishing to visit them, and contemplating their future. He is survived by his spouse, Will Butler; his children, Christopher (Jenn) Blake, and Jolie Blake; his ex-wife, Joann Paulin; his siblings, Patti (Joe) Clark and Rhonda (Tom - deceased) Fort; his grandchildren, Parker (Kenzie) Blake, Caleb Blake, Zach Bennett, Brody Bennett, Macaulay Bennett, and Kayley (Adam) Seda as well as his sister-in-law, Norma (Rodney) Leddington. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Blake and Twila Wright, Granddaughter, Bailey Grace Blake and his brother, Robert Blake.
Mike had the greatest smile and wanted others to be happy. He would pass strangers in the grocery store and if they had a frown, Mike would stop them and say, "Smile! You have to enjoy life!" (Sometimes they just gave him weird looks, but a lot of times it worked and they would smile back). It was hard not to smile back- he had the one of the best! It was a smile that could calm the most raging of storms while at the same time light the world on fire!
This is a difficult time and it is sad to say, "see you later" (there are no goodbyes) but Mike would want us to "Smile" because "You have to enjoy life!" Please add photos and memories, remember the good times and smile :-)