George Blake

George Rowland Blake 1918 - 2016

George Blake, 98, of Provo, passed away August 11, 2016. Son of Samuel and Annie Bevan Blake, he was born March 14, 1918 in Vineyard Utah and graduated from Lincoln H. S., BYU (B.A. 1943), and Ohio State U. (Ph.D. 1949).

In 1937-1939, George served an LDS mission to Germany where he learned to love the German Saints and despise anti-Semitism and dictators. He and Kathryn Sumsion married in 1941 and were blessed with 2 sons and 2 daughters. He translated for the FBI in Washington D.C. during WWII.

With a passion for discovering new knowledge, Blake did research and taught Soil Physics at Rutgers U. and the U of Minnesota, and was Director of the Water Resources Research Center. With over 100 technical publications and chapters for 5 books, he won national and international recognition in his soil science profession, including work in Germany, Hungary, Poland, Morocco, Chile and Guatemala.

He had the privilege of serving in branch presidencies in Columbus, OH, Metuchen, NJ and St. Paul MN, was Bishop of the University Ward (MN), and member of the High Councils of the Minneapolis and St. Paul Stakes.

After Kathryn’s death in 1984, he married Helen Maycock Patten and enjoyed getting to know and love her five sons and three daughters. He and Helen later served a mission in Germany. His family--beloved companions Kathryn and Helen, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren—brought him immense satisfaction and joy, along with love of nature, camping, classical music, history and golf.

George will be dearly missed by his wife Helen, Blake children Rowland (Linda), Henry (Mary), and Lorraine, Patten children Laura (Don) Imbler, Pauli (Scott) Durfee, Leslie Riddle, Eric (Cindy), Kris (Neala), Matthew (Kristen) and Timothy, 39 grandchildren, 75 great grandchildren and friends. He was predeceased by daughter Carla Paul, stepson Jeffrey Patten, and siblings Grant, Rex and Thelma Blake Cropper.

Pending arrival of family, the funeral services will be Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 1 p.m. in the Oak Hills 6th Ward Chapel, 1960 N 1500 E, Provo, Utah. Viewings: Friday 8/26, 6 to 8 p. m. at Sundberg Olpin Mortuary, 495 S. State St. in Orem and Saturday at the church, 12 to 12:55 p.m. Interment: Provo City Cemetery. We are very grateful for all of the love and kindness shown to our family.

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