Robert V. Blake

Robert V. Blake, 83, of Mesa, Ariz., and formerly of La Grande, died peacefully at his home on Memorial Day, May 31, with his family by his side. Family and friends will attend a memorial service at the Veteran's Chapel in Phoenix, Ariz.

Bob was born Nov. 10, 1926, to Marvin and Bessie Blake at home near the power plant in Cove. He grew up with his older sister Yvonne in Eastern Oregon. Young Bob enjoyed life at La Grande High School with all his classmates, and they remained a tight-knit group throughout the years. He really missed not being able to attend the class reunions later on.

Toward the end of WWII, Corporal Blake honorably served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps, the 617th Aircraft Control and Wiring Squadron in Hawaii, 1946-1947. Two years later, in March of 1949, he married his Miss Oz, Joscelyn Smith. They spent 61 years together.

Bob was a professional accountant for the Cove Saw Mill and served there until it closed. Bob then moved his family to Portland in 1960 to manage the shipping and receiving department for a plywood and veneer machinery business.

As members of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Bob and Joscelyn generously contributed to this charitable foundation that each year gives millions in scholarships, is an inspiration to youth and is friend to veterans. In the mid-1980s, Bob and Joscelyn moved closer to their daughter, Susan, and her family in Eugene where they opened a full-service pet store, "Bobcat Pets," in Santa Clara Square Shopping Center. There, they enjoyed several fun-filled years.

After his retirement, Bob, Joscelyn and their pets turned to the outdoors. They had a beautiful garden and loved entertaining their family and friends with weekly backyard barbecues. Those who know the couple say neighbors of all ages and circumstances were treated as their own family.

Bob always said how proud he was of his two daughters. Christie and her husband, Duane Kolstad, who is a Vietnam veteran, reside in Mesa, where they enjoy successful careers in aerospace. Susan and her husband, Kirk Garner, also a veteran, reside in Anacortes, Wash.

Those who knew Bob say he was a faithful man who fully assumed responsibility for his family and served God and his country.

In 2008, Bob and Joscelyn made their final move closer to Christie and the warmer winters of Mesa, where Joscelyn still resides.

Survivors include his wife, Joscelyn; two daughters and their husbands; two grandsons; and two great-grandchildren.

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