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Benjamin Blake Obituary

Benjamin Herbert Blake passed away unexpectedly in New Orleans, LA. on Monday, November 27, 2006. Benjamin was a native of Norfolk, VA. and a resident of Covington, LA. for the past two years, formerly of Richmond, VA. Beloved husband of Jerri Renee Haynie Blake. Father of Skyler, age 6 and Gabriel, age 2. Brother of Cory Blake. Son of the late Virginia Norfleet Cory Blake and Preston Blake. Also survived by many relatives and friends. Benjamin will be greatly missed and forever loved. Relatives and friends of the Family are invited to attend the Memorial Service from the Funeral Home of Bagnell & Son Funeral Home, 75212 Lee Road, Covington, LA. on Friday, December 1, 2006 at 1:00 P.M.Friends may call after 11:30 A.M. Friday. Interment Private.

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Published by The Times-Picayune on Nov. 30, 2006.

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Frank Chinn

January 2, 2007

Jerri,Skylar,and Gabriel
I am sadden also to hear of Ben's passing. He is not forgotten. I still see his quirky smile and that look in his eyes when he tells you some off the wall jokes, or some wild stories he has picked up...My condolence and prayers are with you and your family. Take care.

Dorsey Jenkins

December 19, 2006

Dear Jerri,
I cannot tell you how sorry I am to hear of Bens passing. Ben was a dear friend and although we had not seen each other in several years, I will remember the great times with Ben forever. If there is anything that I can do, please let me know.

Drea Sabourin

December 17, 2006

Jerri, I was shocked and stunned when I heard about Ben. There are too many good memories I have of him to just speak of one. My prayers are with you and your family. Please don't hesitate to contact me if there's anything I can do. He will be missed by many.

Sarah Murphy

December 15, 2006

Dear Jerri,
It took me awhile to get to this site - enlisted the assistance of a researcher at the Virginian-Pilot. I am Angela Beam's mother - she & Ben (along with Page, Brad, Dorsey, Tracy and who knows who else) all spent many many hours together as teens and pretty much grew up together. Ben was one of a kind and a favorite "son" of mine. I had many children during Angela's teen years and always enjoyed seeing them spending time with them and loving them. I am so very sorry to have lost one at such a young age, and especially knowing that he left behind a beautiful family. Losing Ben has been very hard on those who are here in Norfolk and were unable to be there for his memorial service. Know that you and your girls are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care and let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your little ones.
Love to you all, Sarah "Mom Beam" Murphy.

THOMAS WARD

December 13, 2006

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Thom, Beth & Hayden Gann

December 13, 2006

Jerri -
Beth & I were so sorry to hear of your loss. Ben was a great guy and will be missed by so many. If there is anything that we can do for you please do not hesitate to ask. You and the kids are in our prayers.
Much love,

Barbara Wildberger

December 13, 2006

Jerri,

Our heart goes out to you and your children. Ben and I go back to the CVAS days and of course RAA. I've never met a more generous,wise,fun, loving person. He always had a hug for anyone.Bruce also worked with Ben at RAA and was in disbelief at the news. He will be truly missed and even though you and I don't know each other that well, rest assure, you have an extended family in Richmond and just let us know if we can help in any way possible. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Barbara "Boo" Wildberger & Bruce Delphia

Sandy (Nevejans) Bailey

December 13, 2006

Jerri, Skylar and Gabriel,
I wish that I could find the words to ease your pain. Ben will always have a special place in my heart. He was a great guy. The news of his passing hit many of us very hard. One of my favorite memories was when he and I had taken our Nationally Registry exam together and we were driving back from the Norfolk area. That was the day that the Tornado's ripped through the Walmart in Petersburg and everyone was going for mutual aid. Anyway, one of the tornados had also gone over I-64 in New Kent too. Well that backed traffic up for quite awhile and it took us several hours to return. Needless to say, Ben had me laughing for those few hours. I always tell people the day we got our Paramedic, God had something to say about it sending all of those tornados!!! Please take care of yourselves and remember that many people are sharing some of your pain and praying for you! If there is anything that I can do, even if it's to lend an ear, just call.

Jennifer Hurd

December 12, 2006

Gerri, I am so sad to hear of this news. I went to high school with Ben and we were very good friends back in the day. My most sincere condolences go out to you and your family. I know Ben worked for years helping others, b/c that's the kind of dear person he was. He will truly be missed. He also leaves behind lots of very fond memories of childhood, not only for those of us who knew him from then, but also for your kids. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

Sherry Dorr Beisel

December 12, 2006

Dear Jerri, I am so sorry for your loss. Ben must have been a great husband and father. It has been many years since I have seen Ben but if I had to pick one of my favorite people from my high school days Ben would have been one of them. He was so much fun to be around. I am sure he has left quite a legacy. Your children should be very proud of him. He will be greatly missed.
Sherry Dorr Beisel

KC Sehlhorst

December 11, 2006

My heart and prayes go out to you. I worked with Ben at RAA. Without question he taught me alot. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

Marcia McGowan

December 10, 2006

Jerri,

I too was stunned when I heard the bad news. The world has lost a great man. I worked a couple of shifts with Ben at RAA and you as well. He is a great guy. When I think back on the good times riding the streets of Richmond, you two are always there. If you need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. You and your family will be in our prayers.

Bill Joa

December 8, 2006

Dear Jerri, I am sorry to hear of Ben's passing. He was a dear friend to many of us who grew up together in Norfolk. I have great memories of the experiences that we (Ben, Brad, Tom, Page, Stephanie, and many others) all shared in our youth. It seems like only yesterday, but many years have passed and we lost touch. Ben was loved by all of us and I will miss him.

Rich Lindfors

December 8, 2006

Jerri,

I am at loss for words about the loss of Ben. He was one of my first partners at RAA and he tought me so much about being a successful medic while keeping the humor in all we do. I will never forget coming to your house in Richmond and just hanging out with you from time to time. I know that he loves you more than anything and he will always be there in your heart and ours. Ben's memory will always be close to my heart and I shall never forget all the lessons he tought me and I hope that I live up to the expectations he had for me. We will forever be blessed to have had "Ben-Jam-In" touch our lives in his own unique way. Please do not hesitate to call me anytime I would be happy to share those stories(most of them not appropriate for this site) with you and tell the children that their father was held in the highest esteem, and would be honored to tell them about the man that we STILL love and respect.

All our prayers and love,

Rich and Sabrina Lindfors

T Rogers

December 7, 2006

To the Family of Ben Blake,
It was an honor to work with ben, and he made every job enjoyable. He never was with out words and they usually made you laugh. He will be sadly missed by all, but rest a surd Ben is in a better place and probably the life of the party.

Lloyd Chartrand

December 7, 2006

Jerri, I worked with ben for quite a while on the Intrepid, and remember speaking to you on the phone several times while we hunted him down for you:) He loved you guys dearly, so to me that means you must be pretty special people - Ben was actually and truly what he used to jokingly call me...a beautiful man, in every way. I will miss him, and the joy and happinees he always broiught to those around him. My thoughts are with you and your family in this sad time for all.

Patrick Kaleher

December 6, 2006

Skyler & Gabriel,Your father is the finest most gentle man I know, he is proud of and loves you both. Jerri,I am deeply sorry for your loss. You all are in my thought's and prayers. let me know if there is any way i can help.

Mark Porteous

December 6, 2006

Jerri,

I only worked a couple of trips offshore with Ben, but I'm proud to have numbered him amongst my friends. I've never met a nicer person and my thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Jack Rawcliffe

December 6, 2006

Jerri,You and I have never met,but Ben talked about you and the kids a lot.I worked with Ben aboard the "Intrepid".In fact I think I was one of the first people he met after joining his first ship.We immediately hit it off and became firm friends.Ben was one of the nicest guys I have ever met,and I never heard him say a bad word about a single soul.Ben was a true gentleman and a "gentle" man.I really,honestly and truly,just cannot believe he has gone.My old pal......It was my honor to call him my friend.Please accept my heartfelt condolences,yourself and the children.God Bless you.
Jack (Rawcliffe)
Crane operator
MSV Intrepid.

Julia Rogers

December 6, 2006

Jerri-I was a co-worker of Ben's on the Intrepid. He was a great guy and will be missed by many of us here. I was shocked and sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Teresa Barrett-Daniels

December 5, 2006

Jerri,
I am sorry, very sorry to hear about Ben. I know Ben from growing up in Norfolk, Va. Ben had alot of friends here. Growing up with Ben was something that you just can't forget. He was really a great friend. We all hung out up and down Hampton Blvd. around Larchmont our teen lifes. Just to let you know that everyone that I have talk to has said more than one prayer for you and your children. Including myself.

Roderick Smithson

December 4, 2006

Jerri, I will never forget the first time I met Ben. I was assigned to work with him, and Chris Blake told me, "don't let Ben drive!" Ben and I laughed about that, and had a great time that first shift together. We laughed a lot! He was a little apprehensive because I was the husband of one of the managers. The apprehension didn't last long. We always had a great time when we worked together. We worked hard and we laughed A LOT!!!

I have been, and will continue, to pray that God will give you the strength,love, and peace, to get through this very hard time. You and Ben were/are a very special couple. Roderick

Stephanie Boecker/Prettyman

December 4, 2006

Dear Jerri,
We've never had the pleasure of meeting, but i know you must be an amazing woman to have been chosen by Ben as his wife. I met Ben through my high school boyfriend, Brad Raisor. It was like i had known him all my life. Ben and i remained close friends throughout my high school years. He was always there for me, and always good for a laugh. I will treasure those memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. Please know that he has many friends here in VB/NF, should you EVER need anything.

Jody Moore

December 4, 2006

Jerri, I along with many others would like to express my deepest condolences. I will always remember Ben and keep him as one of the medics and people I said one day I would like to be like. We all share your sorrow as we have lost and will miss Ben, a friend I will never forget. I will always remember how much he made eveyone laugh and have so much fun. Our prayers are with you and your children.

George Mueller

December 4, 2006

Jerri - I was stunned when Kugel called last week, still am. I learned a lot from him and had great times you both of you. Watching Jerry Springer at Post 51 on Friday's and having him bring me beer after a shift when I was <21...never forgotten. Y'all are in my prayers, if you need anything please call.
George Mueller

Daphne Kurolvech

December 4, 2006

Jerri,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Stuart Madison

December 3, 2006

Jerri: You and the children are in our prayers. I'm lost for words. Ben was a great friend and I am still in disbelief.

John Futrell

December 3, 2006

Jerri; I pray that you and the kids are holding up well in this time of loss.
Ben...where should I start?
Kind, funny, street smart, the kind of partner you would definitely want on a,"Bad Call"
I had the priviledge to work with Ben several times. We would laugh and joke about how late he was for the shift we were on:-) It was so funny watching him duck into Post 31 and clock in at 7:45am for his 7:30a to PM shift:-)
I remember crashing at FVRS Station 1, and watching cable tv until that "Tone" went off and made us jump off the couch!!
We will miss Ben!
I`m sure you know by now how many freinds he made along the way. Many of us are no longer at RAA, and we are working all over the place. We were all in touch with each other quickly as soon as we found out.
May he rest in peace.
My family and I pray that you three be comforted.

Mac and Donna Adams

December 3, 2006

Jerri,
I can't find the words to express my sorrow at the news of Ben's passing. Please know that Ben was loved by all that had the pleasure of meeting him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

David Johnson

December 3, 2006

Jerri,

I am at a loss for words to describe my feelings. Ben was a very good friend to me for many years. I will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids. I have a bottle of Crown Royal that Ben gave me about 10 years ago. He and I are the only people that have drank from it. I will save it for a special occasion with special friends to drink from it again, he would want that. Love, David, Beth & Stephanie.

Jerry Stout

December 2, 2006

Jerri: I was so shocked and sad when John Futrell called me with the news. Ben was a super great guy, we had so many good times together. I was lucky enough to be with Ben on my first 911 shift in the city, on Christmas eve 1986. He was always there if I needed anything. Let me know if you or the kids need anything.

Thomas Moss

December 2, 2006

Jerri: I write to say how sorry I was to hear of Bens passing. I am Between Ben and Brad there are not many on this earth I have know longer. In thinking back, I remember many times on our street with Ben and Brad as kids that truly shaped my childhood experience, and makes me smile. As jobs moved us apart it was a pleasure to reconnect time to time in Richmond as adults.
My heart goes out to you and your family. He was a kind and giving soul and I know he will be missed. Please advise me of any select charity or trust for giving.

Christopher and Monica Rockefeller

December 2, 2006

Jerri,

I was truley shocked when I heard of Ben's passing. He was a great medic, mentor, and friend. He will always have a special place in my heart. If you need anything, please call.

Valerie Dennis

December 1, 2006

Jerri,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I was completely stunned to hear the news. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the children. I know we haven't seen each other in a long time, but let me know if there is anything I can do to help or give support.

Brad Raisor

December 1, 2006

Dear Jerri, I am deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved husband, Ben. He was a dear friend to many. I grewup across the street from Ben in Norfolk,and we shared many years of friendship. The two of us got an efficiency size apartment together for a period as soon as we graduated from highschool. I cannot begin to tell you the many shared experiences we had together from age 7, until he moved to Ricmond. I will miss his compassion for people, and his amazing wit. He was very much loved.

Page Goffigon

December 1, 2006

Dear Jerri,
This was a total suprise this moning when Curtis called me. I was hoping to make it to the funeral but when I found out when & where it was there was only an hour to get there. I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a great guy to grow up with I just wish we had stayed in contact. If there is anything I can do please do not hesitate to call me & I will be there for you & the kids. Page Goffigon

Robin Pierce

December 1, 2006

Jerri,
I have not talked to you in forever but ya'll have never been far from my heart, I was stunned and at a loss for words when I heard the news, Please call if you need anything or just want to talk I am hear for you and the kids. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers in your time of need
Love and miss you dearly
Robin,Hannah and Joseph Pierce

Lisa Dickey-Woods

December 1, 2006

Jerri,
I was/am so thankful that Ben touched my life in the way that he did at RAA. I will never forget the good times we all had. I wish I could be there to give you the hugs that you will need but I know that you have a huge support system down there. You and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers everyday.
Your old partner,forever your friend,love
Lisa

RC Stevens

November 30, 2006

Jerri,
I was truly saddened to hear of your loss. I am at a loss for words to be quite honest. Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if you need anything.

RC

Jane Garcia

November 30, 2006

Jerri,

Al & I just found out today. We are so sorry. If we can help you in any way, please call us.

Al & Jane

Anna (Mule') McRay

November 30, 2006

Jerri,

We are so sorry to hear of Ben's passing. He was a wonderful guy, a great medic, and a true friend. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Gloria Berry

November 30, 2006

Jerri
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and the children. You have been thru so much these past few years and have always stayed strong as I know you will now. If I can help in any way, you know how to reach me. I know you are going thru alot right now so I will be here should you need anything! Hugs to all Gloria

Lila Legendre

November 30, 2006

We are truly sorry for your lost and we truly want to help, if there's anything we can do please dont hesitate to ask.We can even baby sit if thats what you need.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love
Staff At Bambi's Kids Academy

Johnathon & Stephanie Chisum

November 30, 2006

Jerri,
You and the children are so much in our prayers -I still have a note that Ben wrote to me when I left RAA back in '98 about my being a sup and encouraging me as I headed back to school... typical of him but now it means even more! Keep up your strength and please let us know if we can help...

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