Robert Blake

Robert Morris Blake passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by all his children and loving wife on Aug. 20, 2006, at the age of 72 after battling cancer for several years.

He was born to the proud parents of Morris E. and Leah V. Blake on Feb. 10, 1934.

Bob joined the Army in 1954, served 21 months and finished off his six-year obligation in the Montana Army National Guard.

Bob was a third-generation brick and stonemason in the Flathead Valley. He put his life and love of masonry work into hundreds of buildings and homes around the valley, including the historic Conrad Mansion, Flathead Community College, Flathead County High School, and Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was the Secretary of the Brick Mason's Union for almost nine years.

In Bob's younger years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing with his family and friends. In his later years, he enjoyed making beautiful bird houses, walking sticks, lamps and other things out of scrap materials for his family and friends. Bob touched the hearts of everyone who knew him and will be dearly missed.

Bob married the love of his life, Cynthia M. Williams, on Aug. 3, 1961. During their glorious 45 years of marriage, he was a very loving husband and a proud supportive father to his four children, Kelly, Russell, Robert W., and Heidi.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Leah Blake; and his brothers, Larry J. Blake and Dudley Blake.

Bob is survived by his wife Cindy; brother Gregory and wife Mary Jo, of Hungry Horse; sons Kelly W. Blake and wife Patricia, of Mountain Home, Idaho, Russell D. and wife Teresa, of Mountain Home, and Robert W. and wife Cindy, of Las Vegas, Nev.; daughter Heidi Washington and husband Leroy, of Moscow, Idaho; and grandchildren Nick and Jennifer Thornton, Bobbi Wiggins, Kristine and Brandon Blake, Joel and Sara Blake, and Mycheal and Jayson Washington.

A memorial was held at his home in Whitefish on Sept. 23, 2006. His family would like to thank all his medical personnel and Hospice workers who provided his wonderful care, and his family friends for their unconditional support and prayers.