Ronald Charles Blake (Ron) passed away from a short illness on Father’s Day, June 16, 2024 in Boise, Idaho. He was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on December 1, 1949 to parents, Rosemary K and Charles Stewart Blake. Initially brought home to a little white house on the Jerome Bird Farm, the family later moved into town (on 8th Ave. East) and then eventually into a house which they had built across from what is now Gayle Forsyth ParkRon attended Jerome schools, graduating in 1968 and was affectionately known as “Deaver” or “Deave” to his large circle of friends.
Ron was a gifted athlete with boundless energy and a competitive spirit. As a youth, he excelled in baseball with a fastball pitch that some claimed was close to 100 mph. In high school he helped lead the Jerome Tigers to a state basketball championship. On the tennis court, he won state boys singles in his division. His high school and college men’s tennis doubles partner would say “We never lost a match.” In later years he played on Senior men’s teams in National Finals competitions.
Ron graduated from the College of Southern Idaho and went on to earn his degree in Range Management from Utah State University. He worked for the Soil Conservation Service, (currently the Natural Resources Conservation Service) throughout his career both in Twin Falls and Mountain Home and then retired to Boise in 2008, with his wife, Zena who he had met at a conference in Florida in 1992. In retirement Ron and Zena traveled together in Europe, traversing long distance paths in France and Spain with friends, and in the UK with the Newport (Wales) Outdoor group. Ron especially enjoyed the trips to Israel and made presentations of them to his church on his return to Idaho.
His athleticism and love of the outdoors was a natural fit for skiing and whitewater rafting. The latter was a sport he enjoyed for many years with his “rafting community.” He oared down the Colorado River, the South Fork of the Boise, Hells Canyon and the Main and Middle fork of the Salmon. Ron was a master oarsman always eager to face the next challenge.
His Christian belief was central to his life. He was a faithful member of Bridgepoint Church in Boise. He also gave time and commitment to evangelism and voluntary service, serving the Boise Rescue Mission and in overseas ministries in Eastern Europe and South America with Manna Worldwide.
Ron’s playfulness and sense of fun made people laugh. His friendliness and outgoing personality caused people to smile. He wouldn’t let anyone pass without a wave. He was compassionate, kind and constant in what he believed. He cherished his family and was loyal and caring to his friends. His passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts but we take comfort in 2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” We will be with him again someday, Lord willing.
Ron is survived by his wife, Zena Cook, his daughter Alyssa (Ryan) Smith, his granddaughters Aria Rose and Kora Iris Smith, in Boise; siblings Cathy (Terry) Roemer, in Jerome, Kevin Blake, in Bellingham, Washington. Survivors also include brother-in-law Phillip (Paula) Cook, sister-in-law Linda Levine; nephews Blake, Jon, Lior; and nieces Kiley, Ariella, Shlomit, Yael, and Abigail. Surviving cousins are Rick (Tamsen) Lui, California, and Carl (Judy) Pierce, in Star, Idaho.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Charles and Rosemary Blake, maternal and paternal grandparents and several aunts and uncles.
A memorial service will be held to honor Ron on July 13, 2024 at Bridgepoint Church, 2530 S Broadway Ave., Boise, Idaho at 1:00 pm.