PORTLAND – John “Jack” M. Blake, 89, of 86 Holiday Drive, died Thursday, June 25, 2009, at Mercy Hospital. He was born Dec. 23, 1919, in West Somerville, Mass., the son of Livingstone and Ada Blake. He attended Lincoln Academy, Damariscotta; graduated from Boston University in 1941; and received his master’s degree from Harvard Business School, in 1943. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later in the Army Reserves, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1967. Jack served as a college instructor at Portland University, 1948-1953, and later as an administrator, 1953-1964. During this time, he initiated the state wide continuing education division of the University of Maine as its director. At the University of Maine, Orono, he served as the vice president of finance and administration until his retirement in 1979. He went on to become the chairman of the board of Penobscot Savings Bank and later served on the board of directors of Heritage Bank and Peoples Heritage Bank until 1990. Jack was very involved in community activities including, the Greater Bangor United Way, president of Bangor Chamber of Commerce, trustee Bangor Theological Seminary, Cooperative Extension of Eastern Maine Medical Center, president of Orono Volunteer Rescue Service, director of Orono Research and Development Park, Committee of 50, Poets, Penobscot Valley Country Club, Universal Fellowship Church, Alpha Psi, Phi Kappa Phi Fraternities and VFW. Jack and Myrtle retired in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., where they enjoyed golf and Hidden Lakes Country Club, Coronado Methodist Church and many, many friends. In 2004, the Blakes became residents of Birchwoods at Canco, Portland. Being so close to family and old friends has been a wonderful experience. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Myrtle Ellis Blake. In addition to his wife, Myrtle, he is survived by his daughter, Joan and husband, Thomas Prouty; as well as his grandchildren, Elizabeth and her husband, Keith Orlando, John Prouty and his wife, Katie; and three great-grandchildren, Samuel and Luciana Orlando, and Jaiden Prouty. The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the staff and friends at Birchwoods, which has become a second home to the entire family, as well as, the warm and caring staff at Maine Medical Center emergency and cardiac care unit and Mercy Hospital staff. Jack will be remembered most for his devotion to his family, his compassion for his fellow man and his desire to make his community a better place. He was recognized for his contributions throughout his life including, a “M Club” award for his instrumental role in helping to bring collegiate level hockey to the University of Maine. A funeral service was held June 28 at Jones, Rich & Hutchins, 199 Woodford St., Portland. You may share your memories, condolences and wishes at www.mem.com.
JOHN ‘JACK’ M. BLAKE
