Update: Online
obituary now available for PNA/WA/DL Capt. Allan Grant Blake
Allan (Al) Blake 80, beloved husband, father
and grandfather, flew his "final flight west" on April 5, 2020 after
a long battle with a dementia-related illness. He was born June 5, 1939 and
raised in Albany, OR, son of David G. and Alberta M. Blake. At an early age, he
developed many hobbies including building model airplanes, and a soap box derby
car which he raced. Along the way, he learned skills later leading to an
amazing ability to build, repair or restore almost anything from cars to
planes, boats and even a steam train.
After his high school graduation in 1957, Al
enrolled at Northrup Institute in Los Angeles where he earned certification in
the aviation and power plant program. Along with a friend, he bought an old
Luscombe airplane in pieces, towed it back to Albany and restored it to
airworthiness. Flying lessons followed and thus began a love of aviation that
spanned his entire lifetime.
His flying career started in 1961 as a flight
engineer for Pacific Northern Airlines (PNA). After a furlough, he enlisted in
the Naval Reserves and later continued flying as a corporate pilot until 1965
when he was recalled by PNA. That company later merged with Western Airlines
and subsequently Delta Airlines. In 1999, after a 34 year career flown mostly
as a Captain in Seattle, he flew his last DAL flight to SeaTac Airport with his
daughter Stephanie, then a pilot for Skywest Airlines, on his jump seat. His
other daughter, Susie, continued the legacy as a flight attendant for United
Airlines where Stephanie was hired the following year.
In 1968 he married Shann Volkel, a former
flight attendant for Northwest Airlines and his loving wife of 51 years. They
made their home in Issaquah, WA where they raised their two daughters. When Al
wasn't flying, he pursued many interests including involvement in Aerodyne, a
family owned business on the Renton Airport. Often in the summer months there
were fun camping trips with friends along with many flights to the family
summer home in Powell River, BC where boating and salmon fishing were favorite
pastimes.
After retirement, Al and Shann enjoyed flying
places in their Bonanza, road trips in their Model A or motorhome and many
wonderful cruises with friends. Whether at home working on projects in his
well-equipped shop or at his hangar, he was never too busy to help out a friend
in need. That kindness with a big smile, warm heart and gentle soul was his
hallmark throughout life. He will be dearly missed by all.
Al was a proud member of the Quiet Birdmen (QB)
Seattle Hangar, the Evergreen Model As and the Conejo Valley Model As. He is
survived by his wife Shann of Issaquah, his daughters Stephanie Russell (Marc)
Simi Valley, CA, Susie Lane (John) Seattle, grandchildren: Katie Russell,
Charlie Lane, Jenny Peterson, Jon Russell and great granddaughter, Claudia
Russell. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother David.
Due to the current pandemic, a celebration of
Al's life will be postponed to a later date. The family suggests remembrances
on his behalf to the Museum of Flight.
Friends are invited to sign Al's online
guestbook at www.legacy.com
Published in The Seattle Times on May 3, 2020
………………………………………………
~ IN MEMORY ~
WA/DL Capt. Allan Grant Blake
June 5, 1939 ~ April 5, 2020
Friends
have advised us of the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Al Blake,
age 80. We understand that Captain Blake
had suffered with complications of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Born/raised in Oregon, Captain Blake joined
Western Airlines 03-15-1965.
He retired with Delta Air Lines and was based SEA.
Arrangements for Captain Blake are not yet
known.
Survived by his wife Shann, condolences may
be sent to the family at
12541 200TH AVE SE
ISSAQUAH WA 98027-8520
As more is learned, we will pass along
those updates.
Thank
you,
~
Carol for the PCN
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