Blake Lee Hampton
1932 – February 4, 2020
Blake, 87, has gone on to his next adventure from his adopted hometown of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. He was a dad, an illustrator, a wag, an outdoor-lover and sporter of an epic handlebar mustache. Born in Poteau, Oklahoma, he was raised in Dallas, graduated from the University of North Texas and went on to be an art director at advertising agencies in New York City. He married Lucille Lantelme of New York and together they raised two daughters in Weston, CT. "Mr. Weston" was involved at Norfield Congregational Church, a volunteer for the ambulance squad and a constable; he designed the town seal and the masthead for the town's first newspaper.
He was a fan of Laurel and Hardy, pro wrestling and good bourbon; a minister of silly walks and the father all his kids' friends wished they had. He taught his girls to birdwatch, cheat at mini golf, enjoy the woods, appreciate history and love art. He could fix almost nothing but was a black belt at SuperGlue. Blake moved to Hilton Head with his partner, Susan Mason, in 1995 and was active at First Presbyterian Church, the Rotary and Lions Club. He was famous for being the first to volunteer for any given effort and infamous for never being electronically reachable.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edna Gately and Ivan Wade; and his brother, Daniel. Survived by his partner, Susan Mason; daughters, Caroline Manning (Jim) of Dallas and Danielle of Waitsfield, VT; and brother, James of Trophy Club, TX.
A celebration service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head on March 20. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to PAWsitive Pantry Vermont or the Hilton Head Island Land Trust: www.pawsitivepantry.org, www.hhilandtrust.org
