Blake, William (Bill) Frank
June 13, 1941 - May 12, 2006
On Friday, May 12, Bill lost his short, courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family.
Bill joined the RCN in 1959, completing basic training at HMCS Cornwallis. In 1960, he received his naval air crewman’s wings, and served as an observer on tracker aircraft with VS880 in Shearwater and aboard the HMCS Bonaventure until 1964. He then transferred to Sea King helicopters with HS50, and continued to serve in Shearwater until 1970 when he was posted to the Argus aircraft, VP 407 in Summerside, PEI. Following a brief stint as a recruit platoon commander in CFB Cornwallis, Bill returned to flying in 1977 with VP497 here in Comox. In December 1981, Bill was appointed as a Member of The Order of Military Merit. He then served as a Company Sergeant Major at the Canadian Forces Office Candidate School in Chilliwack.
Bill received his commission in 1986 and was promoted to Captain. He then served tours in North Bay, Ontario and McChord AFB, Tacoma, Washington as an air weapons controller.
Bill retired from the Armed Forces in 1995 and joined 386 Air Cadet Sqdn in 1997, becoming squadron commander in 2002. Bill relinquished his command when he was dianosed with cancer.
Bill was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren and working in his vegetable and rose gardens. He enjoyed working with young people and was very proud of the air cadets of 386 Sqdn.
Bill was a member of the RCNA, CNAG, RCAFA and C.O.P.s.
He is predeceased by his parents Les and Ceil Blake and is survived by his wife Hilary and his children: Chris of London, ON, Bruce (Trinda) of Victoria, BC, and Heather of Comox, BC; his grandchildren: Erik and Anya of Victoria, BC and his sisters Barb (Bernie) Lahey, Deb (Ray) Mellings, and Roberta Wakelin, all of Victoria, BC.
Arrangements entrusted to Comox Valley Funeral Home & Crematorium, 1101 Ryan road, Courtenay, BC.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society - Comox Valley Unit, #1002-1509 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay, BC V9N 2K6
A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 888 Wing, 1298 Military Row, Comox, BC on May 23, 2006 at 1:30pm.