Obituary of Philip Blake

NORTH NORWAY — Philip Maurice Blake, 64, died April 24, 2021, at home surrounded by his loving family after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was born January 29, 1957, to Donald and Ida Blake in Norway during a blizzard. The son of farmers, he spent his early years attending school, living and working in the Oxford Hills. He then headed out to California for adventure and to mine gold. He lived there for 30-plus years, where he built custom homes and buildings, worked as a commercial fisherman, studied computer coding, fisheries and lapidary, and was an avid marijuana gardener. Phil was truly a one-of-a-kind guy, who lived by his own rules. He loved to drive fast, especially on his Harley-Davidson, and never shook his California driving even after moving back to Maine more than a decade ago. He had a heart of gold and fiercely loved his friends, Irish Wolfhounds, live music, especially while bartending at Tucker’s Music Pub, and gemstones. He was predeceased by his parents and brother-in-law, Jim Hooker, who he considered his brother. Phil leaves behind his four beautiful sisters, Donna Marrero, Linda Hooker, Beth Ann Barton and Pamela Gaddis; his soulmate, Erin Mary Place; his cousin, Greg Dean; and many beloved nieces and nephews. A special thank you to Liz Potter and Mike Zybert for all of the exceptional care you have given me. To all of my friends, thank you for your support through these hard times. And thank you to the Sisters, who were my cheerleaders and some of my greatest supporters during my journey. A private burial was held May 2, 2021, at Elmwood Cemetery in Otisfield. He is buried on the Hooker family plot. A celebration of life will be held this summer with details to come.