HOWARD K. BLAKE, 85, died peacefully at his residence in Searsmont on September 17, 2011. He was born in Boothbay on October 20, 1925, to Leo and Alfreda (Joy) Blake. He was a U.S. Army World War II veteran serving with the Army Engineers. He then worked with the police department in Islip, New York. He owned and operated his own gas station for a time retiring after 25 years from the United Laborers’ Union. He and his wife, Virginia, retired to Searsmont 25 years ago. He worked with the AWANA program driving the children to and from the church programs for years. He was a man who loved to “tinker” – he enjoyed fixing things. Howard thoroughly enjoyed his property in Searsmont, making paths through the woods where he and his family would snowshoe. He was predeceased in 2010 by his wife of 65 years, Virginia. Survivors include his sons and their wives, Gordon and Phyllis Blake of Monroe, Jeffrey and Sherry Blake of New Hampshire; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, September 24th at Faith Bible Baptist Church in Searsmont. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. On-line condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com.