William F. Blake

William F. Blake, 84, of Mont Vernon, NH, passed peacefully at his home on July 2, 2025, surrounded by loving family.

He was born on July 23, 1940, in Denver, Colorado, the son of the late Walter and Mona (Hanks) Blake.

Bill was raised in Denver alongside his three siblings, Tom, Mary, and Ed. He and his two brothers all achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, an early sign of his ambition and strong character. He went on to earn a degree in metallurgical engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, then joined the Peace Corps from 1963 to 1964, serving in East Pakistan (modern-day Bangladesh). His time in the Peace Corps ignited his lifelong passions: travel, service, and cultural exploration.

After returning to the U.S., Bill worked for companies including GE and Raytheon while pursuing his master’s degree in engineering. Never one to stay still for long, he boldly declared on his first day at GE that he would save money and eventually quit to travel the world. And he did just that.

In the early 1970s, while working at GE, he began traveling regularly to New Mexico on weekends, buying silver and selling it at flea markets. Inspired by his father, who once ran a small jewelry store, Bill launched Blake Brothers International in 1974, a wholesale silver company that he ran for the rest of his life. His business grew to include offices across the United States in Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Colorado, Hawaii, New York, Washington, North Carolina, and New Hampshire.

Throughout his life, Bill visited over 100 countries, leaving a lasting impression on those he met with his ever-present smile, positive energy, and generous spirit. He believed deeply in the goodness of people and inspired others to pursue their dreams as boldly as he pursued his own.

In 1993, Bill welcomed the first of his four children, William Jr., in Bangkok, Thailand. He later moved with his wife Suan and their children to Mont Vernon, NH, in 2008. Fatherhood became Bill’s greatest joy. He took immense pride in passing down to his children his love of travel, compassion for others, and adventurous heart.

Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Suan Kiadklang; and his four beloved children: William F. Jr., Matthew, Denver, and Mona.

SERVICES: In accordance with his wishes, services were held privately.