Friday, March 29, 2024
39.0°F

Gary Bruce Blake, 80

| January 13, 2021 1:00 AM

Our dear brother, Gary Bruce Blake, was promoted from this world into heaven on Dec. 13, 2020, at the age of 80.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Bruce and Eleanohr Blake.

Gary was born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on May 15, 1940, and lived all but the last 10 years of his life in Coeur d'Alene. Those last 10 years were spent in Cool and Auburn, Calif.

Gary was a highly functioning autistic man. He was not allowed to finish his education in public school, yet in later years he achieved his GED. From there, he had many more accomplishments, such as getting his driver's license, working for Goodwill and completing a photography class at North Idaho College. He was an avid and excellent photographer.

He loved gardening crossword puzzles, music, long walks and attending performances at the Coeur d'Alene theater.

One of Gary’s greatest adventures in life was the time that he and his mailman, Cliff Purcell, took off to ride the rails to see the country.

Gary was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church, never missing the coffee, cookies and great fellowship after services.

He was a devoted caregiver to his parents In their later years. A kind, loving son- so cherished. In the years after his parents died, Gary began to suffer severe consequences from diabetes. He eventually lost most of his eyesight and a toe or two. In the end, a COVID-related blood clot took his life.

In his last 10 years he stayed with his sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Tim Smith, in California, until his health required the services of full-time nursing care. He then resided at Auburn Ravine Terrace, in Auburn, Calif. The staff there were amazing and made Gary's life so special. Thanks to a custom-made bingo card, Gary became the ‘Bingo King’ at his facility. He also was an ace at trivia games there.

Our brother had a truly amazing mind, a pure heart and he will be greatly missed by his family.

Gary is survived by his five sisters: Sandra Mullen of Sammamish, Wash., Julie Weitz (David) of Seattle, Kathy Rubow (Bob) of Coeur d'Alene, Mary McGuire of Yuma, Ariz. and Sue Smith (Tim) of Cool; along with numerous nieces and nephews and dear friend, Carolyn Barrigar of Coeur d'Alene.

There will be a private gathering this spring in Sammamish.