George Burroughs Blake

George Blake, 96, passed away peacefully at his own home on Tuesday, July 16, during the early morning hours, always his favorite time of day.

A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, August 20th, at 11:00 a.m. at Columbine United Church, 6375 S. Platte Canyon Road, Littleton, CO 80123.

George was born in Lakeland, Florida on January 14,1928 to loving parents, Norman and Kathleen Blake. After losing everything they owned in the Great Depression, the Blakes and their two children, Barbara and George, moved back to their home state of Minnesota. George had an adventurous spirit and grew up enjoying camping, archery, cycling, hiking and even a two-month trip down the Mississippi in a canoe that he and his buddy named Joanne’s Folly after the girl who had been, as they said, “foolish enough to lend it to them.” Another memorable adventure was a youth group bicycling trip through Mexico that ignited his love for the country, its beauty, the people and the culture. That long Mexican thread is now woven into our family’s lives for four generations.

After serving in the Army’s Corps of Engineers (demolition crew), George returned to the University of Minnesota for degrees in Chemical Engineering and Business… and to meet Beverly Hirt, the love of his life. They were married in 1951 and spent the following summer hitchhiking around Europe, staying in Youth Hostels and even sleeping in barns and on trains at night to save money on hotel rooms. Daughter Susan Kathleen was born in 1955 and Nancy Jeanne followed sixteen months later in 1957.

After six years, and against the advice of worried parents and friends, George left a promising career at 3M to pursue his dream of getting back to Mexico. He, Bev and the girls headed to Thunderbird in Arizona to learn Spanish. He graduated at the top of his class and received several job offers that led to an interesting, diverse business career in Mexico, culminating as Executive Vice President of Anderson Clayton. During that time, George also served as President of the American Chamber of Commerce, a job for which he was well-suited, especially with Beverly, always a gracious hostess, by his side. The position involved lots of elegant events, public speaking, travel and interaction with dignitaries.

In 1985, after 25 happy years in Mexico City, George retired and he and Bev moved to Colorado where Susan and Nancy were both expecting their first babies. They loved being grandparents (eventually to five girls) and took full advantage of their early retirement to travel and immerse themselves in hobbies. George took up sculpting, organized a Great Books discussion group and hosted rigorous ping pong “tournaments” in their basement. Bev became active in their church and indulged in her love of gardening, teaching and bridge. A lifelong learner, George took courses at Harvard, Cambridge University and even Anatolia College in Greece. They both played tennis and enjoyed the many friends they made at Normandy Estates, Columbine United Church and Wind Crest, while maintaining treasured life-long friendships from their Minnesota and Mexico City days.

Beverly passed away in December of 2022 with George by her side. They were deeply devoted to each other for 71 years of marriage. While we miss their voices, their senses of humor, and their loving support and encouragement, our family takes comfort in knowing that George has been reunited with his beloved Beverly. Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Grandad. Thank you, George. You were a remarkable man.

George Blake is survived by daughters Susan Blake-Smith and Nancy Blake, granddaughters Kathleen Bohné, Kimberly Ambuski, Carole Leigh Bohné Warren, Annie Weiler Bohné, Laurie Bohné, all of their husbands and ten adorable great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gentiva Hospice or The Salvation Army.