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Danny Blake Obituary
danny Blake, loving partner, beloved friend and fierce disability advocate passed away on Monday April 25th at the age of 72. danny is survived by his partner of 25 years, Gene Ball, his sister Sharon Blake and his brother Larry Blake. He is preceded by his parents Betty and James Blake and his brother James Blake Jr.
Born in 1950 in Columbus, Ohio danny was known for his sense of humor, kindness and perseverance. danny was born with Cerebral Palsy. His family's commitment to inclusion set him on a course for life-long advocacy. At the age 5, danny was named the Easterseals Child of the Year and was photographed with Ohio Governor Frank Lausche.
danny received a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University and a master's degree in Social Service Administration from The University of Chicago. He was instrumental in forming Tucson's early response to HIV through his work with PACT for Life (People with AIDS Coalition of Tucson) and ultimately as Director of Programs for Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation.
In 1985 danny became a board member of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation of Southern Arizona (CPFSA). He was a driving force behind the agency's expansion of programs for children with disabilities. By 1993, CPFSA was serving more than just those with Cerebral Palsy and changed it's name to The Blake Foundation, in honor of danny. In 2019 danny was again honored for his advocacy at the 100th anniversary of Easterseals National as a participant in the Rose Parade.
danny spelled his first name with a lower-case "d" to represent how he carried his experiences as a young person living with a disability with him into his adult life. Today, our communies are more inclusive of people with disabilities. danny's life serves as a reminder of how far we have come, and the work left to do.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday May 19th at 10 am. Followed by a dessert reception. Easterseals Blake Foundation 7750 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson AZ 85710.
danny requested that in lieu of cards and flowers donations be made to Easterseals Blake Foundation. www.easterseals.com/blakefoundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Danny Blake
Frances Coleman
May 20, 2022
Danny was an unusually strong spirit who thrived in the face of adversity over & over again. He was kind, compassionate, a wonderful conversationalist & had a fantastic sense of humor. He was the best friend ever of my wife, Judy. Geno made his life of the past 25 years full, fun & loving. Big hugs and all our love to Geno.
Danielle Hayes
May 18, 2022
Danielle Hayes
May 18, 2022
Danielle Hayes
May 18, 2022
Danielle Hayes
May 18, 2022
Danielle Hayes
May 18, 2022
Danielle Hayes
May 18, 2022
My dad danny was a beautiful soul. He was one of my biggest cheerleaders. His favorite saying to me was " I am woman hear me ROAR". I will be roaring so loud dad. I love you so very much. I will never be able to thank you enough for giving me my dad back and for always being here for us. The girls love their TaTa danny just as much as their TaTa. You dad are a real hero
Sharon Forbis
May 16, 2022
I loved him more like a brother instead of a brother in law. He was such a wonderful person. He had such a big heart and so loving. Prayers for you brother and his family. I miss him
Veronica O
May 14, 2022
I will always remember your sweet smile and thank you for all your kindness. Geno my condolences to you and the family. Love you
Bridgit
May 14, 2022
Forever loved and missed danny................thank you
for sharing yourself , your friendship , kindness, and wisdom with me and countless others over your lifetime. (plus that wicked sense of humor!)Not too long from now, we will see each other again ,,,, Thank you for all your gifts. Love always
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