James Kenneth (Ken) Blake Sr., 91, passed away March 5 at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.
Ken was born May 16, 1918 in Union, a son of the late James and Abbie Francis Bryant Blake.
Growing up in Union he attended local schools and graduated from Union High School. He continued his education at Maine Maritime in Castine before joining the U.S. Navy and was a Merchant Marine for 52 years where he was a member of the first crew to set up a base in Antarctica. While onboard the USS Seaman A. Knapp he crossed the Arctic Circle on the 23rd of June 1951 as to enter the northern domain of the polar bear. He was employed several times as a Captain and a Chief Engineer, giving him the opportunity to travel all over the world.
Ken married Athlene Upham, making their home in Union. When time permitted, Athlene would travel with Ken to various ports. In 1994 Athlene passed away. In 1996 he remarried Carolina Haverty who passed away in 2006.
After retirement he and his wife wintered in Port Richey, Fla., returning to Maine each spring. While in Florida he enjoyed attending equipment auctions with his nephew, Billy.
For two and half years his daughter-in-law Sharon looked after him so he could spend his last years in his home in Union.
He enjoyed bee keeping, fishing and hunting. He loved working in the woods cutting logs with his son by his side.
He was a lifetime-member of Mt. Olivet Lodge #203 AF & AM.
One of James’ greatest loves was to spend time with his family.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Athlene, 1994; second wife, Carolina, 2006; grandson, Daniel Blake; brothers, Lawrence Blake and John “Buster” Blake; and sisters, Geneva Cargill and Mary Starrett.
Survivors include his son, James K. Blake Jr. and wife Sharon of Washington; grandson, James Blake III of Warren; great-granddaughters, Mary Ross and husband Montell of Waldoboro, and Brittany Blake of Warren; sister, Marjorie Peabody and husband Frederick of Union; sisters-in-law, Christine Wellman and husband Estern of Washington, Mildred Brooks and husband Pete of Union, Shirley Berry and husband Vern of Union, Becky Ripley and husband Dickie of Rockport, Jeanette Grinnell and husband Gordon of Washington, and Sally Smith and husband Robert of Chelsea; brothers-in-law, John Upham and wife Lottie of Washington, Wayne Upham and wife Nan of Union, and Reginald Upham and wife Linda of Washington; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside service 11 a.m., Thurs., April 15 at Lakeview Cemetery in Union with Rev. Robert Dorr officiating.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Waldoboro.
