Dr. Stewart P. Blake

Dr. Blake, age 93, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2013 at his home, after a brief illness. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on May 23, 1919 to Ethel and Penfold Blake. He is preceded in death by his cherished wife of 61 years, Helen Maddrey Blake.

As a teenager, Stewart moved to California with his family and received his early education at Hemphill Engineering School in Los Angeles, beginning his life-long fascination with machines and engineering. He proudly became an American citizen in 1943. Shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Helen, and after a whirlwind six-week courtship, they were married on June 23, 1944. Their honeymoon was brief, since Stewart enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 1, 1944. He spent the next 20 years proudly serving his country, including World War II and Korea, retiring in 1964 with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Through the auspices of the U.S. Army, Stewart continued his education, receiving a B.S. at Rutgers University and subsequently an MBA and Ph.D. at Stanford University. He joined the Stanford Research Institute where he served as Director of Research and Development. Some of his proudest accomplishments were designing the test track for Porsche in Stuttgart, Germany; and his design for carrying Venezuelan oil from the fields out to the sea.

He and Helen built their dream home in Palo Alto, CA, one in which they frequently entertained their wide circle of friends and business associates. During this time, they enjoyed extensive travel throughout Europe, Asia and South America. Upon his retirement from SRI in 1976, Stewart became a private consultant, specializing in management of research and development.

When they began to consider their retirement location, Helen suggested North Carolina, where the Maddrey family roots are in the town of Seaborn. The Blakes visited Charlotte, and in 1982 it became their permanent home. They loved our city, embracing its art and culture, the opera in particular. Their circle of friends quickly grew. Stewart became a respected member of the Opera Carolina Board, a position he held for many years. He also became a member at Myers Park Club, an association that brought him enormous pleasure.

Stewart was a proud soldier, superb story-teller, lover of music from Mozart to Benny Goodman, gracious host, wine connoisseur (sharing his love of wines generously with his appreciative guests); and above all, a beloved friend. He was one of a kind and will be truly missed.

He is survived by Helen’s cousin, Dr. Willis A. Maddrey and his wife Anne, of Dallas, TX; his “adopted” family, Leslie and Paul Paliyenko and his very dear friend and devoted caregiver, Deborah Littlejohn. The family wishes to thank those special angels whose compassionate care provided great comfort to Stewart in his final days – Joe Davis, Brenda Overcash and Terry Littlejohn. We deeply appreciate the support provided by Nancy Williams and Roger Dahnert, Presbyterian Hospice and Palliative Care, Seniors Caring for Seniors, and Dr. John Crawford.

A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Harry and Bryant Co., 500 Providence Road.

A reception will immediately follow the service at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Opera Carolina or the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.HarryandBryantFuneralHome.com