Wilfred "Bill" Allen Blake Obituary (1929 - 2018)

Bill Blake, 88, after battling dementia and a weak heart for many years, his prayer, "to go be with Jesus", was answered on Feb. 13, 2018 while in the loving care of the staff at Hanson Hospice House in Stevensville, MI. For many years during his illness, he was cared for by his faithful wife, and with Hospice at Home for months, before he passed into Glory. This treasured passage from the Holy Bible, II Timothy 4:6-8, conveys his sentiment: "The time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award me on that day-and not only me, but to all who have longed for His appearing." Bill spent his life serving others with his wonderful wife Eiliene. He pastored evangelical Christian churches in Wyoming, Iowa and Michigan, as a missionary in Brazil, he taught Greek and Hebrew to his beloved Seminary students in Portuguese, and he encouraged and helped others throughout his life, in a wide range of areas. He was one of the first volunteers to serve with the Southwest Michigan Community Ambulance Service (SMCAS), a Chaplain with American Legion Post #344, directed and participated in weekly services for inmates at the Berrien County Jail, and he was honored for his years of service at Galien High School with the naming of the Bill Blake Library. Bill loved sports and was a valuable player on various teams at Buchanan High School, coached Little League, played church softball well into his 70's, and could usually be found near a football field, baseball diamond, or basketball court, cheering on his children and grand-children who were all gifted with his athletic abilities. He was well known for his wit, humor, and great singing voice, (sang opera on WGN Radio in Chicago as a teenager), and will be remembered by many who enjoyed his company. He passed on his love and gift for music to his five children, who continue his tradition of using their musical talents for the glory of God. Bill also served his country for three years in the United States Army Air Corp, and instilled patriotism in his children and grandchildren as well. One daughter and two grandchildren have served in the United States Army and Navy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Lydia "Peg" Blake; his three sisters, Marion (Kobe), Jean (Francis Kobe), and Ruth (Daron); and his brother, Arthur (Mary Ann) Blake. He leaves behind his wonderful wife of 65 years, Eiliene Jane (Crabdree), his children, Timothy "Tim" (Cindy Prenkert), James "Jim" (Sheryl Summers), Paul (Denise Dennison), Rachel (Ross Ream), and Rebeckah Barringer, 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. A memorial service will be held by the family on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at 5 pm at Bertrand Bible Church, 1008 Ontario Rd., Niles, MI. Visitation will be held right before the service from 3 - 5 pm. Memorials can be made to Bertrand Bible Church or Hanson Hospice Center/Hospice at Home made payable to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.