Burton Evans Blake died at his home in Boise, Idaho on Aug. 8.

He was born on Jan. 3, 1938, in Portland to William J. and Delight Evans Blake.

Blake grew up in Sandy, graduating from Sandy Union High School before attending Cascade College Portland, where he majored in music. He was a member of the Oregon National Guard.

In 1959, Blake moved with his family to Burns, where he worked for Edward Hines Lumber Company and KRNS Radio Station. He was an active member of the Burns Fire Department as well as the Burns Elks Lodge, where he served as organist for several years.

Blake moved to Boise, where he rejoined the military and served as a military policeman with the rank of Staff Sergeant, retiring from the Idaho Air National Guard in 1998. Following his retirement he served as a volunteer at the VA Hospital in Boise.

He was a member of the Boise Elks Lodge, where he served many positions with great pride and dedication, including Exalted Ruler.
Blake was married to his wife, Esther, for 25 years.

He is survived by his wife, Esther; sister, Nancy Cray and husband, George of Burns; niece, Kathleen Cray, of Denver; nephews, William Cray and wife Vicki of Chad, Africa, Shawn Cray of Burns, and Major David Cray of Virginia; and grand-nieces Rebecca, Susannah and Bethany.

Blake is also survived by step-children, Shirley Carter and husband, David, Katherine Newell, Thomas Newell and wife Debra, John Newell, and Benjamin Lewis and wife Joanna; 15 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Delight Blake; grandson, Jesse; and granddaughter, Gracie.
A military graveside service was held on Aug. 20 at the Idaho Veteran’s Cemetery with Elks honors.