Obituary of Lanny Spencer Blake

To cover a life’s journey on God’s earth, in a few words is difficult – but here is an attempt at righteously honoring Carly’s daddy, Trish’s husband, a brother to many loving sisters, brothers, and my Uncle: Lanny Spencer Blake. Lanny was born in Sacramento, California on August 13, 1962 to Paul and Colleen Blake. He had the most beautiful head of blonde hair, and the bluest eyes – he was such a beautiful child. Lanny was always outside in the California sun, he rarely sat still, playing, working, hanging out with all the family pets. He was truly a California boy - skate boarding, go carts, fishing, and the beach. Lanny’s love for animals continued throughout his whole life. He spent some of his last precious energy, with the help of his sister Val, ensuring one of his dogs had the best home ever. Lanny Blake was mechanically brilliant – not much he couldn’t fix. He traveled many places – from California and Florida beaches to Wyoming and Colorado mountains to Arizona deserts and trails. Accomplishments came Lanny’s way – having a family, owning a home in Ohio, establishing a business; but of all this, it was fatherhood that was dearest in his heart. His daughter Carly, whom he shared with Jennifer, will attest. Carly and he spent a great deal of time together – in particular a road trip to Colorado - where we all met up - ate good food, drank a little vino, sang, danced, celebrated a family together again - it was a “cherished by all forever” moment in time - shared with sisters, nieces, cousins, and friends. - On Lanny’s return to Arizona, he enjoyed his favorite sport, fishing. He dropped a line in the Colorado River – a river he visited since childhood and throughout his life. We were all aware of how important that trip was. Not many knew that Lanny saved a young man from drowning. As he reminisced in his last few days, he told me the whole story – vividly. After we sat in a few moments of quiet, he said, “I hope God remembers.” Lanny did live Skynyrd’s words “Be a simple kind of man.” He was given precious time on this good earth to learn “all that you need is in your soul……..following your heart and nothing else.” He had made his peace before moving on – what a God given gift not always given. Lanny passed on the morning of June 12, 2015 at home, in Cornville, Arizona. As he had a loving woman bring him into this world, he had a loving woman by his side as he left – Trisha Stone Blake. Preceding, and waiting for him were his parents, Paul and Colleen, two older sisters, Carlotta and Krista, and his best childhood friend and nephew Craig. Continuing on, and so grateful that we were blessed with Lanny are his wife Trisha, daughter Carly, sisters (Veronica, Valerie, Zela, Paulette, Shawn, Janet), brothers (Les, Randy, Shannon), and many nieces and nephews. It was an honor to have already celebrated Lanny’s life – with him. So in lieu of services, we ask that you cherish your daughters, be kind to your sons, and care for each other – just a little bit more. In lieu of services, we ask that you take a big, deep, breath of fresh air – and realize how very lucky you are to be able to do so. God Bless and RIP Lanny Spencer Blake.