BLAKE, Nolan

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, Arizona Tuesday, May 15, 2012 Miami — Nolan Blake, age 74, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 10, 2012. Nolan was born in Miami, Ariz. on Oct. 22, 1937, at the Miami Inspiration Hospital to Carl and Lillian Blake. After graduating from Arizona State University in 1960 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, he spent his entire life in Miami educating, coaching, volunteering and having a great love for his community, and most of all ... his family. Nolan was known as a teacher, driver’s education instructor, and for many others, “Coach Blake.” He was the Gila County School Superintendent for 25 years and during this time he was appointed to the State Board of Education for eight years. One of the greatest accomplishments of his career was developing the Gila County Special Education Services Program. A lover of sports, Nolan was always up for a round of golf. He also enjoyed gardening, playing music, riding his motorcycle, and being an animal caregiver. He was the most kind, genuine, compassionate person you could ever meet. He influenced and inspired so many around him. His smile was contagious. To know Nolan was to love him as so many people did. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lillian Blake; and his younger brother, Wayne. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his two sisters, Marilyn and Joan; his children, Jeff, Amber (Scott), Casey (Joani), Lisa (Paul) and Courtney; and grandchildren, Nolan (Carly), Bailey, Blake, Paige, Aron and Chelsea. Not enough words can be said for Nolan, but most of all, we will remember him as a humble man who affected everyone with his patience and kindness. Memorials are suggested to: Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Building Fund, 844 W. Sullivan St. Miami, AZ 85539. Services were held on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, 844 W. Sullivan Street, in Miami. Interment was at Pinal Cemetery in Central Heights, Ariz. Funeral arrangements for Nolan Blake were entrusted to Miles Funeral Services, Miami.