It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dennis Ray Blake at the age of 78. He passed away on the evening of April 25, 2026, while surrounded by his loving family at Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna.

He was born March 21, 1948, in Oregon City, Oregon to James and Mae Blake. Dennis moved to Humboldt County at the age of two and graduated from Fortuna Union High School in 1966. Shortly after, he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1968 and was sent to Vietnam as a wireman on October 19, 1968. He returned from the Vietnam War as a Lance Corporal in 1969 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for his service. After the war, Dennis lived in Camp Pendleton, where he met the love of his life, Joy Giamboi. They married on March 28, 1970, and moved back to Humboldt County, where they made a home for their family in Rio Dell.

Dennis was a devoted husband, a proud father, a true Marine, and a skilled mill worker, mechanic and cabinet maker — a true jack of all trades. When he wasn’t cheering on his beloved underdogs, the Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders, he found joy in building car models, watching his children play sports, spending time at the drag strip, taking long drives and following NASCAR.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mae Blake; his honorary brother, Jay Thornbury; his brothers, Thomas and Dale Blake; his nephew, Kelly Blake; his grandson, Austin Blake; and his great-granddaughter, Paxton Austrus.

He is survived by his wife, Joy Giamboi Blake; his son, Anthony Blake; his daughter, Therese Austrus (Tommy); his daughter, Katheryn Chicora (Rick); his son, James Blake (Lily); his daughter, Amanda Summerfield (Chris); his grandchildren, Nathan Blake, Joseph Blake, Dominic Skinner, Ryan Austrus, Raider Austrus, Steven Chicora, Kaydance Chicora, Teagan Blake, Canna Blake, Ezra Blake and Gabriel Summerfield; his great-grandchildren, Emma, Jake, Gunner, Chevy, Bailey, Orrin, Aria, Sutton, Onyx, Kaylix and Brixley; his honorary brother Rich Newman (Laura); his siblings, Dean Blake (Diane), Denise O’Meara (Shawn) and Donna Wheeler (Marty); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A small service will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Oceanview Cemetery in Eureka. At this time, there will be no reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Legion in Dennis’ memory.