On Thursday, April 20, 2017, at 10:36 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Residential living, Mark Wayne Blake left the town of Miles City, Montana pretty empty as he took his last breath in a peace that passeth all understanding. It was as if time stood still as Mark made his journey into eternity. His hard work is now done and all of his tools lie in silence. Mark was born on May 14, 1948 in Butte, Montana at St. James Health Care to Mead and Helen Blake. He was the second child of three and was especially welcome as Mead and Helen thought they could not have any more children due to an illness she had suffered after their first child. Mark continued his journey on earth being especially welcoming to all people and lived a life of trust, honesty, humbleness, kindness, selflessness, and simplicity that is often world unknown. He was truly a rose amongst thorns; there is no one that could describe Mark Blake; if you had been touched by him he left an impression that would last a lifetime to ponder. His mother wrote this paragraph when he was 15 years of age: “Mark made friends as a child and still does have many friends. He has a talent and it is an indescribable trait in his personality for getting along well with others, and making peace where war has been declared. He is a big help to me, and has always been in sympathy with my feelings in such a way as to give me a boost when I need it. He does the things that make everything run smoothly, if possible, and the things that make everything come out right in the end.” His mother couldn’t have been more humanly precise because that paragraph was a description of Mark’s character the rest of his life all the way to his death bed. Mark is preceded in death by his cherished older brother Mead Jr. Blake and his parents Mead Sr. and Helen Blake. He is survived by many loved ones from his home town of Miles City: his younger sister Ellen Blake; one nephew and his family – Ashley Blake, Heidi Blake, Garrett Blake, Mead Jr. Blake; niece Teresa Hancock and her family – John Hancock, Payton Hale, Nathan Hale and Lila Hancock; his daughter Stacy Hale, her husband Ronald Hale and grandchildren Shelby Hale, Trysta Hale and Brett Hale. From being born and walking through many hardships without one peep, to dropping out of high school to serve his country, bearing a child and in a very short time leaving her cup overflowing with his character (Mark didn’t need years to raise a child, he did it in hours, branding a memory that sometimes doesn’t happen in a lifetime), to serving Miles City, Montana for the rest of his days. A special thanks to dad’s family at the VA in Miles City, his family at the Holy Rosary Residential Living Center, the many beautiful people that came to visit us, Jan with the Boulder Monitor, and to the Dale Stevenson Family. Dad loves you all and appreciated everything that you have labored in. I love you also, thank you! Thanks, Dad, for everything that you stood for! “Rest in peace and take a little five.”
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday April 27, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday April 28, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday April 27, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday April 28, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Terri Newby says
I am so thankful to have known Mark for so many years. He was not only a good friend, but one of the hardest working people I’ve ever known. He was always ready and willing to help out anybody in need. Even though he never had much, he would have gladly given you everything he did have. I’ll always remember his sweet disposition, his care and concern for others, and his love of sweet and sour chicken. We shared many lunches at the Chinese restaurant, and I’ll miss those. RIP my friend.
Amy (Moore) LaBree says
I so agree with Terry. Such a sweetheart. Rest in Peace Mark.
Cori Schock says
Well said, Terri Newby. He was one of a kind for sure. RIP, Mark.
Denise Harvey says
Yes a kind and compassionate soul! Left a community a better place!
Denise Harvey
AnneMarie Wallette says
What a kind man we have lost. He was always cheerful and a hard worker. He will be missed.
Karen & Jobie Morris says
My first encounter with Mark was when I was loading cornstalks donated as part of one of the first Recycle to Jobie events. This man walked up and said, “It looks like you could use some help” and so he did. It was Mark. If true wealth is measured not by what you have, but by what you share, then it must be said that Mark was one of the richest men ever! He was a kind and gentle soul and it was an honor to be his friend. I felt blessed when I got my little pickup and was able to give him a ride when he needed it (with his bicycle in the back). Mark was such a hard worker and gave so much to so many–it was wonderful to be able to give a little back to him. The world was truly a richer place because of Mark and he will be more than missed.
Jim & Marj Anderson says
I have to agree with all that has already been said about a really nice man. He would always stop by my desk with a wave and a hello. Will sure him around town.
John Celander says
Mark was one of the most humble people I’ve met. Mark always had something kind to say and he never forgot you. RIP
Sandi Kohones says
Mark was always such a friendly and kind person. He always had a smile and a kind word . I will miss his gentle pats on the shoulder and a friendly greeting whenever I saw him. He never forgot anyone who helped him and would , in turn , help anyone . He will be missed!
Linda Walker says
He always knew your name, and gave you a pat on the shoulder.
Pam Rogge says
I also agree with everyone’s comments, Mark was a good man and will be missed by many who had the pleasure of knowing him. RIP Mark
Roxie Schwartz says
Yes indeed a very kind person and hard worker for sure. Rest in peace Mark, your smile and kind words will surely be missed. God bless you.
Destiny Carlson says
Mark was a genuine man! While I worked at The Short Stop he made dinner for two of my birthdays and we ate them together at the end of the counter! RIP my friend.God Bless
Dawn Beddes says
One of the nicest men ever…you’ll be missed by so many..RIP Mark
Penny Fabert says
Mark was such a sweet man, So friendly and caring, He will be missed by many, RIP Matk !
Dana says
I feel so honored to have known Mark. He was such a giving individual with a kind way of him. Thank you the flowers and the candy you gave me in the years. Rest In Peace
Veronica Means says
Mark the very kind, gentle, hard working, kindered, friendly, soul. The community will miss him. Always out on his riding mower going to work. God bless Mark who has made the world a better place. He is missed beyond all.
Scott and Brandi Gray says
Mark was a gentle soul and a great neighbor when we lived on Missouri. Always enjoyed a visit with him. RIP
Jaci Robinson says
What a sweet man. He will be missed. He always took time to stop in and say hi and see how you were. He was such a genuine, hard working man. God bless you.
Kara Stewart says
We could all stand to be a little more like Mark. His kind heart left a real impact, a legacy. Rest In Peace~
Keith Cheryl Fuhrman says
I tottaly agree with what everyone said,he was the true epinaty of a true American,if we all could take a piece of Mark with us we would live in a better world.
James Arneson says
What a kind hearted person with such a gentle soul. I will forever remember his smile and his laugh. Rest in peace Mark, many will miss you here on earth.
Tara Bilharz says
What a sad day for Miles City. Mark was such a kind man, a hard worker and just a truly good soul. Rest in peace.
Carol Schuetzle says
Most wonderful guy around. Always smiling, waving, giving out a hello, giving a pat on the back or giving out a lilacs. He lived a simple life but was rich in his own way.
Mark I’ll miss seeing you riding your lawn mower or walking around town seeing that big grin and a wave.
Rest in peace Mark.
JODIE BURNETT-RHODES says
Mark would help my parents around the house. And, I was so thankful he did. Such a kind and honest man. At times he would borrow money but he never forgot to pay it back. It wouldn’t have mattered to my folks, but it did matter to Mark! Always remembered my name although I only saw him once or twice a year. RIP Mark! Heaven definitely has a new angel. Jodie Burnett Rhodes for Jim and Tootie and all the Burnett family.
Rhonda Shumway says
I had the pleasure of knowing Mark for a number of years. He was a hardworking individual with a kind word for everyone. My last memory of him is enjoying the Girl Scouts who came to sing for the ECU.
Cyndie, Sheldon Hanvold says
What all have said… such a sweet, kind gentle man… RIP Mark.
Burch and Linda Palmer says
So long my friend. Thanks for all the times you helped us out. We’ll miss you.
xina says
always wanted to make sure I had a steak or something, friend Bobbi and I were just talking about Mark and the yard work he always had to do. I will be missing him and his kindness. RIP Mark
Teri it is because of you I even had the chance to get to know Mark and his love for everyone.
Julie Krutzfeldt says
Mark was always a friendly face in any crowd. He never failed to greet his friends and ask about your day. I will miss Mark.
Garry Bunke says
RIP Mark, a gentle soul.
Danette & David Olguin says
Mark, you were the kindest, sweetest, most honest man I’ve ever known. He would go without if it meant he was helping you. He would always stop by the Silver Star and Blue Moon just to say hello and I will never forget your wave when I passed you on the street. RIP Mark you will be truly missed!
Del Muri says
Mark was the most awesome person I have ever known. He always had a wave and a hi for you. If everyone had the work ethic like Mark had the world would be a much better place. Love you Mark and will miss you greatly. RIP.
Wes Hardy says
Thank you for being my friend. You were always a bright light of love.
Dorrie Mangen says
Mark did some work on our house in Miles City years ago. It seems everyone had the same perspective of Mark; hardworking, honest, dependable, so friendly and such a pleasant person to be around. We bumped into him a couple of years ago and he hadn’t changed; same smiling and friendly nice guy. Miles City and the world has lost the closest thing to an angel. He will be missed.
Laurie Huffman says
Mark had friends from all wakes of life. His gravelly voice belied his pleasant demeanor. I never heard him say a cross or angry word to anyone. He appreciated others and what he had. He will be missed.
John Clark says
Sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. What a kind hearted person. Always so willing to be helpful and so good natured.
Kim R. Smarsh says
As many have said, Mark was one of the kindest, gentlest souls I have known. I would be a better person if I could but walk a mile in his shoes. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Sandi and Jim Updyke says
The world was a little better place because of Mark Blake. Always a kind word and a smile. I hope now he can Rest In Peace away from pain.
Doug and Kim Blunt says
So sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. He was a lovely man. Prayers for all who loved him.
Lisa Parsons says
Such a wonderful man he will be missed greatly.
Verlin and Bernadette Miller says
We enjoyed visiting with Mark over the past several years – a very kind – good hearted individual. He helped us in need a few times when we needed some work done in our yard.
Jessie Beehler says
Mark was a true example of acts of kindness, hard work and genuine good heartedness. He never wanted to hurt anybody or anything. I was honored to have the chance to meet his daughter, Stacy Rae. Mark passed his goodness on thru her, as she is just as kind hearted and I feel blessed to have had them touch my life with their inspiration!! RIP Mark and may the memory of his kind soul bring you peace Stacy Rae and family!!
Denise Duval-Chadsey says
Mark was synonymous with a kind and giving nature and always there to lend a hand. When I remember Mark… I savor the wonderful memories when the harsh Mt winters would blanket Miles City in heavy snowfall. Mark was always present clearing a path to my car while at work at the Miles City Star as well as clearing a driveway at my home. On any given day if Mark seen me he would greet me as “Hi pretty lady” truly a unique man and will have a special place in heaven. I know he touched countless lives with his kind spirit. God speed Mark
Earl & Jean Kiddie says
‘We were so very sorry to learn of Mark’s death. He was someone who always seemed to be around, and was always so friendly. We agree with everyone else’s words about him. RIP, Mark.
Rosemarie Doyon Frye Powell says
What a nice man! Always had a smile& a nod! Will be missed! RIP!
Dick Culver and Candace Hecker says
The real deal is what you got with Mark. Where would we be without the likes of souls such as Mark Blake. True measure of a man and friend and we will never forget you.
Stacy Hale says
Dad loved you Miles City! I heard about you whenever we spoke on the phone or in person. He called you, “real true people” I look forward to meeting everyone of you?
Thanks from dad and thanks from me!
GOD Bless all of you from head to toe.
LaDonna says
So sorry to hear of the loss of this gentle spirit he brought smiles and happiness through his kindness where ever he went-
Was a privilege to have known him-he will be missed by many-
Connie (Earley) Watts says
Thanking of you Mark – blessings and prayers to your family.
Brian & Peggy Certain says
God rest your soul! Mark was a hard working man of great character and was Always true to his word.
God’s peace be with him always.
Clinton meidinger says
Stacy your dad was a very hard working man and he loved you a lot He will be missed by all of us
Kathi Rooney Pfeifle says
I was so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. Although I have not lived in Miles City for many years, I remember Mark well. He was always friendly, kind and gentle. Mark was also a very hard worker. He was one of a kind. He will be missed. Rest in peace.
Teresa Hancock says
I cried my eyes out reading the messages left by everyone. He touched so many lives and it’s so great to see he was so loved and cared for! RIP Uncle Mark, I’ll always remember you for your kind smile and loving heart. God bless all of you that made his life so fulfulling! You are all God sent, as was he! <3
Nancy says
I know his Rosie was waiting for him to bring her treats. Mark reminded all of us how important it is to be kind no matter what the circumstances. Rest in peace, Mark. Miles City was a better place with you in it.
Doug and Lynn Moon says
We are so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. Doug and Mark spent many years together growing up in the Jefferson City area. It is heartwarming to hear that Mark’s personality shown through out his life. What a wonderful blessing he must have been during his adult years in Miles City Rest in Peace, Mark.
Melody Jungels says
Mark was a very friendly and caring person. He was also the hardest working man I’ve ever seen. He always stopped to say “Hi” and asked how a person was doing. RIP Mark, God has a special place for men like you. Thanks for all your kind words and big smiles.
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles & Jim Liles says
What a wonderful tribute you have written in memory of your father. Our prayers are with you.
Sheila Kale says
You will be missed Mark, RIP.
Floyd H Oliver says
PO Box 176
Floyd H Oliver says
I will try again to say what “Floyd Oliver says” – I only met Mark Blake in passing. On two different occasions I was warmly received into his well-kept Miles City apartment with dignified welcome and obvious respect. Though our time together only amounted to five or six hours (April 14 and again on April 17, 2015), it was obvious that he had an uncommon masculine beauty of humble self-confidence and selfless, trusting surrender. I knew my conception of him was accurate by the numerous interjection by passing locals as we ate several restaurant meals together. It is truly a rare man who can convert the simple, menial into the sublime. Mark Blake showed that that capacity flowed through his being. The above Miles City tributes rise out of that exquisite gift. Mark was really not a stranger to me for my wife and I had met him often before our meeting through the heart of “the love of his life”, his daughter Stacy (in so many ways a carbon copy of him and he her pride and joy). We live in the same little village with her and her wonderful family. You all know what a welcome I got from “Dad” representing her. And the fact is she could not tell us of her Father without telling us of “his town” – Miles City. When I found out he died I understood why he had come to my mind over several days. From 1970 – 72 I began my ministry just south of you at Ridge, Montana. I know something about what you Eastern Montanans are like! While you of Miles City were blessed by him in your midst, you are to be thanked for him having such a big home.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Was pleased to have worked with Mark. Later, always enjoyed our visits and most of all the big smile. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Joe Whalen says
I did not know Mark by his name. It wasn’t necessary. I knew his character. There was no mistaking it in his stride, his ethic, his broad and easy smile, and that clear, stout voice. To me, he was simply Miles City and I’ll miss our daily greetings on Main St.
Joe & Jeri Dalbec says
RIP, Mark. We so enjoyed knowing you. Such a great person.
Rudy Tomich says
I had the pleasure of knowing Mark during my years in Boulder. He was a friendly individual who got along with everyone. Reading the obituary and some of the remberances these traits only grew. Rest in peace. May God bless.