Gary A. Blake

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Monica; children: Melissa (and husband Phil) and Michelle (and husband Paul); grandchildren: Jasmine, Sydney, Cameron, Caleb, and Blake, as well as his mother-in-law Norma Ramsey, and numerous relatives and friends.

Gary was born in Port Lyautey, Morocco, to Granville and Ruthella Blake, where his father was stationed with the United States Air Force. From there, Gary lived for a couple of years in England, before his parents settled in Phoenix, Arizona, where he spent the rest of his upbringing. As a teen, Gary's best friend, Greg Brown, invited him to church and to join the church youth choir. Gary was initially excited to meet girls at church, but ended up developing a personal relationship to Christ and was baptized at 18 years old. As a teen, he also enjoyed playing baseball and his first job was at Lad T Dad selling tuxedos.

Gary met Monica at a friend's wedding when they were both teenagers. She caught his eye and he quickly pursued dating her. Three months later, Gary proposed to Monica in the parking lot at church and on November 9, 1974, Gary married the love of his life and they honeymooned in San Diego and at Disneyland. He soon thereafter began his career with Farmers Insurance as an agent, where his career flourished as he won many top agent awards and achievement trips. In 1978, Gary and Monica welcomed their first daughter, Melissa, who was followed 20 months later by the birth of their second daughter, Michelle. He loved his wife and daughters fiercely and unconditionally, and took great pride in family trips to Disneyland and later Cannon Beach.

In 1990, Gary and Monica and their girls moved to Mill Creek in Washington State, where Gary earned a promotion to become a District Manager. He helped over a hundred people begin their careers and start their own businesses. He enjoyed working with and teaching people how to start up and thrive as business owners.

Gary relished his roles as a loving husband, Dad, and Gaga. His wife and kids (and later grandkids) were his pride and joy. As a husband, he loved showering Monica with loving notes and flowers. As a Dad, he loved spending time with and supporting his daughters, often cheering on and timing the races at his daughters' swim meets and going on youth group mission trips. Gary enjoyed the Seahawks and Spider Man, and was often seen sporting gear for both. He adored being a Gaga to his Grandkids. He and Monica loved their roles as Gaga and Mimi, and adored taking their grandkids to parks, out for donuts, and spending time with them. Gary was always a child at heart and lived a life full of optimism.

In 2017 Gary and Monica moved to Anthem, Arizona where they have resided since. He took great pride in the beautiful home he and Monica lived in and the agency he built up since moving there. He was happiest when his whole family was together and will be deeply missed by them.

Gary was diagnosed with cancer in late 2023, and after fighting hard, lost his battle to cancer on October 6, 2024. He was a loyal Christian and we know that he is made whole again and thriving in heaven.