Kenneth Frederick Blakely was born in National City, California, on May 5th, 1947 to Fred and Virginia Blakely. He grew up in a Christ-centered home and devoted his life to Christ at an early age. He began attending high school at the San Diego Academy and later graduated from the Newbury Park Adventist Academy where he embodied the school’s core values of Character, Wisdom, and Service.
Ken faithfully served our country as a Combat Medic in Vietnam and is simply known as “Doc” to the many who’s lives he saved. He was awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart for actions that he rarely spoke of. Upon returning home, he utilized his skills as a radiologic technician through retirement with the Adventist Healthcare System. A sparkle of blessing came the day after Valentines, on February 15, 1971, when his daughter Mishelle was born, and again in 1984, when he met and married the love of his life, Rose Mary. He was blessed with two step-children, Brian and Tanya.
As a youth, Ken’s interests included assembling model cars which morphed into a lifelong love of everything motors, pistons, and sparkplugs. It wasn’t uncommon to find him at the local car show talking story and admiring the craftsmanship and beauty of a well-built hotrod. He completed multiple vehicle restorations of his own and he loved motorcycles and boats. He had a strong obsession for waterskiing and was a teacher and mentor to his nephews who continue his legacy. He loved going to the lake, camping trips, and hosting family gatherings. He spent countless hours on the golf course, enjoyed restoring antiques, and going for a drive to catch a Las Cruces sunset with his love Rose Mary.
Ken was passionate about many things, including faith, family, and the betterment of self and community. He rarely met a stranger and was known to strike up a conversation at any time with anyone. He had a warm sense of humor which showcased his gentle personality, yet he remained steadfast in his beliefs. His legacy and presence will live on in all of us.
Ken was preceded in death by his mother Virginia. He is survived by his father Fred; his loving wife Rose Mary; his daughter Mishelle, her husband Keith and their children Lilli, Dylan, and Cody; daughter Tanya, her husband Tim and their children Zachary and Marin; son Brian, his wife Mary and their children Wesley, Tyler, and Payton. He leaves behind two siblings, Carol and Wayne, brother-in-law Dick, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
