Blaine Vestal

1939 - 2025

Blaine Clarke Vestal joined the Communion of Saints on August 2, 2025. Clarke was born in Pasadena, CA to parents JoLois and Blaine Vestal on August 11, 1939. Clarke attended schools in Pasadena. After high school, he attended the University of Jamestown, Jamestown, ND on a scholarship. There he met Patricia Hanson and they were married in 1962. He graduated from San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, CA in 1965, and was honored in 2008 in San Francisco as an Outstanding Alumni of the seminary. He later received a Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in 1985. Clarke served Presbyterian churches in Gridley, CA; Klamath Falls, OR; and Casper, WY. In 1975 he became Director/Pastor of Denver Inner City Parish in Denver, CO. He served the Parish for 14 years. He was called by First Avenue Presbyterian Church in Denver where he served for 21 years, retiring in 2010. Throughout his ministry he was actively involved in community groups and agencies. His ministry always served the marginalized of a community. He was a member of Denver Presbytery and served as Moderator and in several other positions. One of the highlights of his career was a Mission trip to Malawi, Africa and he loved the experience. Clarke and his wife, Pat were always in partnership in ministry, loving and serving those in their churches. Clarke was loved in return by everyone. One of his great loves was Taekwondo, a martial art. He received his fifth degree black belt before having to retire from the art. He also loved working in his yard and working on his Clarksville train village. He was a special man who will be deeply missed. Clarke is survived by his wife Patricia, two brothers; Ron Vestal and his spouse Rolline, and George Vestal, two adult children; Dan Vestal, and Dana Vestal and her spouse Patrick, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Clarke would be graciously accepted for St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 3096 South Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80227.