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Norman Blake Obituary
74, of Dade City, passed away December 26, 2018. Norm was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts to Vaughn W. Blake and Beatrice M. Blake. The family moved to St. Petersburg when Norm was three and he was a member of the Northeast High School class of 1962. He graduated from Florida Presbyterian (now Eckerd) College, in 1966, where he cultivated many true and abiding friendships. In 1972, he received a Ph.D. from the University of Rhode Island and embarked on a 33-year career on the faculty of the University of South Florida's School of Marine Science. He specialized in shellfish ecology and reproduction, with a focus on the restoration of Florida's native scallop populations. His work will continue into the future through the efforts of the many graduate students he mentored. As a college freshman, Norman met Virginia Dew, of Dade City. They were married after graduation and enjoyed 52 years together. Virginia survives him, as do their children, Sandra (Larry) Boles, of Newport, Oregon, Dr. Jonathan (Mindy) Blake, of Dade City, and James Blake of St. Petersburg, and grandchildren, Isaac, Tyler, Elijah, Lexi and Levi. Norman was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Vaughn, Edmond, and Russell. He was the long-time owner of the trawler Argopecten and enjoyed a lifelong interest in the ocean, boating, and marine life. His membership in the National Shellfisheries Association took him to many distant locations, and we know his loss will be felt by colleagues and friends from every corner of the globe. Norm was active in the Pioneer Florida Museum Association (Dade City), having served as its treasurer until very recently. The family is requesting memorial donations to the Museum(www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org) in lieu of flowers. A celebration of Dr. Blake's life is being planned for friends and family in early February.
Hodges Family Funeral Home
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Memories and Condolences
for Norman Blake
Daniel Roberts
December 24, 2023
Still missing you Norm. Our world gets smaller every day. Thanks for all the lessons learned in marine biology! Dan Roberts
Juan Gonzalez
December 26, 2019
The extraordinary scientific academic initiatives brought forth by Dr. Norman Blake at the University of South Florida will be a model for research in tropical environments. His memories have anchored deeply in young faculty and students in may parts of the tropical world.
I am so proud to have been a student of Norm's and to be a member of the "Blakes Flakes". This hangs on my office wall as a reminder of great times.
Jay Leverone
January 10, 2019
Kristen Kusek
January 9, 2019
I was a grad student who benefitted from insight and teaching by the one and only Norm Blake. Ill never forget his black cap, which often held a large fishing hook on its end. Classic! I didnt have enough personal interactions with him but those I did hold strong memories for me. He was one of the cool ones who solidified my desire to pursue a career in ocean science. Rest well, Norm! You inspired so many and I can only hope that means youre comfy and smiling up there.
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Antoinette Blake
January 9, 2019
Norman was a dear brother- in- law and friend. I am forever grateful for the way he took over when his brother, my husband Ed died. He handled everything even though he was grieving too. I am so sorry for the loss to his family and all who loved him. The world needs more people like Norm.
chuck Adams
January 3, 2019
Gonna miss him so very much. A unique person and a good friend.
Richard Dutton
January 3, 2019
The Officers and Board of ThUSFar , The Assoc. for Retired Faculty & Staff of the University of South Florida , wish to extend condolences to the family of Prof. Norman Blake . We also want to recognize his many years of faithful service to the University . Richard Dutton , Ph.D , Board Member .
Juan González
January 3, 2019
Norman was the best friend I ever had. He nurtured my scientific and academic growth as we moved along our graduate work at the Graduate School of Oceanography of the University of Rhode Island.My family and I owe him and Virginia our quick adaptation to living away from our country and our love for life and every thing around us.Norman's excellence as a scientist and as a human being were unique: reasons, among many, for our deep admiration for him.
January 2, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Isaiah 61:1
Stephanie Black
January 2, 2019
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Norman the past three years at the Pioneer Florida Museum. He was always so caring, kind and helpful. He will be missed by everyone at the museum. My heartfelt sympathies to his family.
Bobette Miller
January 2, 2019
My condolences to Norm's family. I am very sorry for your loss. Norm was a breath of fresh air. I was most fortunate to have made his acquaintance. He will be greatly missed.
Bruce Barber
January 2, 2019
My heart goes out to the Blake family. Norm was a wonderful mentor and prepared his students well for the academic world. I will miss seeing him at meetings.
January 2, 2019
Norman and his family were very close friends of my dad when I was growing up in Narragansett, Rhode Island. He will be truly missed by our family. Much love and support for Virginia, Sandy and the rest of the family.
Barbara Gonzalez (Elgin, Illinois)
Dave and Trina Dew
January 1, 2019
Please accept our condolences Virginia and family
Beverly Ledbetter
January 1, 2019
Michael and I send our thoughts and prayers to the family.
MM
December 31, 2018
My Condolences! As you reflect on the fond memories of Norman, may the words at Ps 37:29 bring you some comfort during this difficult time.
Bill Lyons
December 31, 2018
Norm was my lab partner in histology at Fla Presbyterian in 1964, We later worked in adjacent buildings at Bayboro Harbor.We shared a couple of cruises to the east coast scallop grounds and a few beers at the Sunrise Tavern. So long, Norm. You were one of the good guys; we were lucky to know you.
Daniel Roberts
December 31, 2018
Norm was a special friend and mentor. My relationship with Norm early in my career cemented my vocation and love of marine science. Norm gave special meaning to the biological axiom of Ernst Haeckel, "Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny." RIP Norm....I will always miss you....
A D
December 31, 2018
Please accept my deepest condolences over the passing of Mr. Norman. We're so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please take comfort from God at Isaiah 40:1.
Sara Williams
December 31, 2018
Dr. Jonathan Mindy Blake, your father's story/life was meaningful throughout his work and his family. He built a true and wholesome legacy. He will be carried on throughout your hearts ❤ My well wishes.
Dale Beaumariage
December 31, 2018
I recall numerous lunch meetings with Brother Norm and other USF professors in St. Petersburg when I was at the Marine Sciences Institute in the 1970s. I enjoyed his wit and erudition then; and later in retirement when we feasted on stone crab claws with other federation members on Anna Maria Island each November since 2012. He will be missed by many.
George Dew
December 31, 2018
Sincere condolences to the family. Our thoughts are with you.
Brenda Minton
December 31, 2018
I have had the pleasure of knowing Norman for a short period of time since coming to the Pioneer Florida Museum. He was always very kind and helpful. He will be missed by so many!
The Lewis Family
December 31, 2018
Deepest sympathy to the family for this great loss. The strength from GOD can sustain you through this difficult time and in the days to come. May you have a measure of comfort sharing the cherished memories that are in your hearts.
Mindy B
December 31, 2018
Dad, I'm so sorry I failed you. I wanted to do more. I wanted to bring you home. I'm sorry' doesn't begin to scratch the surface. I can't ever thank you enough for the love, kindness, and many eureka style moments and conversation we shared. Thank you.
Aloha oe, a hui hou kakou.
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