Charles Richard Blake

Dr. Charles R. "Dick" Blake, 91, of Findlay passed away on October 9th, 2021 at Primrose Retirement Community. He was born on February 12, 1930, to the late Charles Calvin and Claudia Pauline (Young) Blake in Parkersburg, WV. He was preceded in death by an older sister, Jean Blake McCutcheon. Dick married Janet "Sue" Means on December 27, 1952, on a quick break from college when she was 18, and he 22. They met at West Virginia University. Dick worked at the women's cafeteria to help put him through his schooling. This was when his life changed. Sue was a very slow eater and often the last to finish her meal. Thus, conversation, friendship, and then love emerged. Throughout their loving marriage, they traveled extensively to Europe, the Middle East, China, especially enjoying Greece and the nearby islands. After 40+ years of marriage, Sue preceded Dick in death on August 30, 1996. Sue's brother, John (Mary) Means, continues to share love with our extended family. Dick was blessed a second time. He found love in a happenstance encounter with Julie E. Feasel Torborg, and they married on May 7, 1998. Dick and Julie enjoyed traveling, estate sales, and spending time with family and friends at their lakefront property on Lake George in Coldwater, MI. Dick enjoyed being "Captain" of the pontoon boat. Julie preceded him in death on February 25, 2015. Dick is also survived by his children: Michael A. Blake of Columbus, Janet E. "Jeb" (Roger) Darnall of Findlay, Joseph D. (Midge) Blake of Montpelier, OH, and Anne K. (Michael) Swartz of Hanover, MD; stepchildren: Karen S. Shivers of Oman, Matthew P. (Emily) Torborg of Madeira, OH, and David S. (Karen) Torborg of Alexandria, VA. Dick "PaPa" leaves behind a legacy of sixteen grandchildren - Benjamin W. (Jennifer Saltzman) Swartz, Elijah B. (Emily) Darnall, Daniel B. Swartz, Thomas "Luke" Darnall, Kelly M. Blake, Samuel J. (Melissa) Darnall, John M. (Kelsie Crites) Darnall, Hannah S. Blake, Michael J.M. Blake, Margaret E. "Maggie" Shivers, Abigail G. "Abby" Shivers, Corinne E. Torborg, James P. "J.P." Torborg, Christian P. Torborg, Andrew M. Torborg, and Charlotte E. Torborg. He is succeeded by great grandchildren: Norah S. Darnall, Ezra B. Darnall, Esther "Rosie" Darnall, Emi J. Swartz, and Audrey Eve Darnall - coming in February, 2022. He was also preceded in death by an infant son, Mark Timothy Blake. Dr. Blake was a graduate of St. Mary's High School (WV) in 1948, West Virginia University in 1952 and the Medical College of Virginia University (now Virginia Commonwealth University) in 1956. He did his internship-residency program at Mount Carmel Hospital, Columbus, OH from 1956 to 1958. He served our country as a medical officer at the McConnell Air Force Base in Waco, Texas. from 1958 to 1960. Dr. Blake began a medical practice in Findlay in 1960. He was joined by William B. "Bill" Elderbrock, M.D. in 1966, and their professional relationship continued until 1994, when they both retired from their Findlay office. Dr. Blake was an extraordinary man whose commitment to his profession and patients harkens back to a simpler time in health care. He delivered babies in the Findlay area for over 30 years, made house calls, and still managed to be a loving and dedicated family man. Dr. Blake was a member of the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Practice and was a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice. He is a past president of the medical staff of Blanchard Valley Hospital. He continued to practice medicine for fifteen years after his retirement from his Findlay practice. Dr. Blake was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed singing in the choir and he was recently recognized as a 50+ year member of the church. Visitation will take place on Saturday, October 23, 2021, from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church, 2330 South Main St. Findlay, Ohio. A celebration of Dick's life will take place in the church sanctuary at 1:00 P.M with Pastor Jessica Commeret officiating. A reception will follow the service in Fellowship Hall. Memorials may be made to Creative Living (A Wheelchair Community where Michael Blake resides); 150 W. 10th Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43201.Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.

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