R. John Blake of Orem, Utah died peacefully in his sleep on May 24th, 2022.

John was born the oldest son to Robert and Ruby Blake in 1938 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Growing up he loved drawing, coin and stamp collecting, and golfing. He was an Eagle Scout. He graduated from South High School and the University of Utah. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Denmark. Later in life he and his beloved Charlene served missions in Baguio, Philippines and then later as employment services missionaries and Area Family History Consultants.

He met the love of his life, Charlene Todd, on a blind date set up by their mothers. They married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1963 and moved to Midland, Michigan where John had a job as a chemical engineer at Dow Chemical. He earned a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Michigan and accepted a job at the University of Utah. He later took a job at Signetics Inc. in Orem, Utah. He then moved on to work at BYU as a computer programmer. He loved teaching part time at BYU and the University of Phoenix. He finished his career working at Novell.

John had many interests and passions. He loved to study. He worked hard on staying physically fit and completed the St. George Marathon. He loved to bicycle—until the day he ran into a truck and ended up in the hospital with several broken ribs. He learned to play the guitar and practiced very early in the morning—to the chagrin of his daughters who were trying to sleep in the next room. He loved family history and teaching others how to do their family history. He was a huge BYU fan and loved attending football games.

John was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life. He served in many callings including Bishop of a BYU ward. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.

John is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ann. He is survived by his wife, Charlene and his eight children: JoAnne Colemere (Michael), Kristen Landon (Von), Mindy Fausett (Brad), Sarah Burton (Laef), Todd (Ashley), Leslie Robbins (Seth), Amy Spencer (Reed), Rob (Heather). He is also survived by thirty-seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, his brother David (Judy), and sister Elizabeth Shelton (Bob, deceased).

Viewing will be held Tuesday May 31, 6:00-8:00 pm and Wednesday June 1, 9:30-10:30 am. Funeral services will be held Wednesday June 1, 11:00 am. Both at the Canyon View Stake Center, 575 E. 800 N. Orem, Utah.

A Live Broadcast of services will begin at 11am at www.walkersanderson.com where condolence and memories may also be shared with the family.