Ronald E. Blake, 74, of Stevens Brook Road, Duxbury, passed away in the comfort of his home and family on Wednesday evening, March 18, 2015, following a lengthy illness. Born in Pike, New Hampshire, on June 9, 1940, he was the son of the late Harold and Lottie (Sargent) Blake. On February 21, 1965, he married the former Juanita Ramsey in West Newbury.
Ron began his working career at the Shoe Shop in Littleton, New Hampshire, as well as the lumber mill in North Haverhill, New Hampshire. He served with the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany for three years, and then later was employed many years in the propane business, starting for Suburban Propane Co. in Littleton and then transferring to Waterbury where he worked for them for over 30 years. He finished his career with Blue Flame Gas in Barre from which he retired.
In his leisure time, Ron loved watching football, going to camp, hunting, fishing and NASCAR racing. He also enjoyed watching his sons and grandchildren race at Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford. Ron was proud to have donated to a number of charities throughout his life.
Ron is loved and mourned by his wife of 50 years, Juanita Blake of Duxbury; their children, Brian Blake of Barre, Edward Blake and his wife Michelle of Berlin, and Jason Blake and his wife Dawn of Worcester; their 12 grandchildren, Corey Blake, Jonathan Blake and Bonnie Boyce, all of Barre; Matthew Blake, Joseph Blake and Heidi Martin, all of Hyde Park; Jacob Blake, Maegan Blake and Ronald Blake II, all of Duxbury; Taylor King, Elizabeth King and Nate King, all of Berlin; and one great-grandchild, Jasmine Blake of East Barre; his brother, Tom Blake and his wife Linda of Woodsville, New Hampshire; his sister, Barb Tedesco of Bellows Falls; as well as extended family. Ron was predeceased by a granddaughter, Rebecca McCann, and seven siblings.
A barbeque and celebration of Ron's life will be held this summer from his Duxbury home for family and friends. For those who wish, memorial gifts would be appreciated to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641 (www.cvhhh.org) or to the Waterbury Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 95, Waterbury Center, VT 05677. Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury is assisting the family. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com and Facebook.
