Michael Blake, February 11, 2010
Michael J. Blake, 62, of Wakefield died on Thursday, February 11 at his home. Born in San Pedro, CA on June 21, 1947 he was the son of the late Joseph and Frances (Thompson) Blake.
Mr. Blake was a graduate of San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara, CA, class of 1965. He was also a graduate of Yale University, 1969 and Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University, 1973. He served in the U.S. Army Intelligence Unit during Vietnam and was stationed in DaNang. He was also the recipient of the Bronze Star.
In 1973 Mr. Blake started working at the 1st National Bank of Boston, now known as Bank of America. For nine years he worked in the International Lending Division, first in Argentina, then as General Manager in Bolivia, Paraguay and Puerto Rico. Returning to headquarters in 1987 to the transportation lending division he focused on railroads and airlines. He retired in 2002 from Bank of America.
Mr. Blake and his wife, Gwenn Therrien, spent their early married years in Latin America, and had opportunities to travel extensively. Some of their favorite places were Machu Picchu in Peru, Iguazu Falls in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro and various Caribbean islands.
Mr. Blake attended and was active in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Wakefield. He was the treasurer of the Friends of the Beebe Memorial Library and had volunteered at the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry.
An avid golfer, he made a hole in one in 1985 at the Rockleigh Golf Course. He also enjoyed reading a wide variety of books.
In addition to his wife Gwenn, he leaves his brother Robert Blake and wife Elizabeth of Davis, CA, parents-in-law Russell and Doris Therrien of Cabot, VT, brothers-in-law Alan Therrien and wife Suzanne of Boxford, Dale Therrien and wife Donna of St, Johnsbury, VT and sister-in-law Janet Decker and husband Al of Florence. He was the Uncle of James and Ian Blake, Heather McGinnis, Tim Therrien, Michele Voner and Jack Decker. He is also survived by 6 grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
A memorial service will be held in the Unitarian Universalist Church, 326 Main St, Wakefield on Wednesday at 11a.m. Relatives and friends may call at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave, Wakefield on Tuesday from 4 to 8pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Beebe Memorial Library c/o Nancy Tolleson, 12 Pine St, Wakefield, MA 01880.
Read Michael Blake’s Obituary and Guestbook on www.mcdonaldfs.com.
Class Notes: Michael J. Blake died on February 11 at his home. He was a Latin American studies major at Yale, and a resident of Pierson. He was active with the Yale Banner. After Yale, Michael got his law degree from Tufts, and served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, receiving the Bronze Star. He spent his career in banking, retiring from Bank of America in 2002. He and his wife Gwenn Therrien traveled extensively throughout Latin America.
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