Uncle Blaise, you were a cherished and favorite uncle! Since my affiliation is that of your niece, I’ll go ahead and make the assumption that you were the favorite friend, confident, leader and loved one of all who had the privilege to be in your life. Your presence was large; never arrogant, trite or in efforts to make others around you feel small. It was quite the opposite. Your presence was large because of the inclusivity and compassion you nurtured, the humor you created in every space and the generosity and love you shared with everyone whom you came across. Your earlier years of heroism are ones I don’t know personally, but live in me from the stories of our family. The years of boating, shooting potato guns and spending hours laughing around a fire are ones that are vivid and real in my heart. You are a beloved man and you will live in my heart and in my memories until I see you again one day. I hope you’ll be waiting at the pearly gates with a joke to welcome me on in! I love you and will miss you! Your niece, Karey

Blaise had a great sense of humor!
I know that because on occasion
he laughed at my jokes!
Or at me!

My beloved Uncle Blaze, I will miss you. I know you will be with your loving wife Marylou, your parents & your 6 loving brothers and sisters. I have so many wonderful memories of our times together. When you came back from serving in Japan, I was in grade school. You gave me 5 pearls, which I still cherish today. You taught me to water-ski when I was 10. You wrote me a funny poem which I keep with favorite momentous. You were a great cook, a loving father and husband, and a fun uncle. I will always keep you in my heart.