Roger E. Blake, Jr. (February 27, 1948 - January 2, 2023), originally from West Lebanon, was a lifelong resident of the Upper Valley. Part of the last 9th grade class to attend the Seminary Hill School, he graduated from Lebanon High in 1966 and worked with computers at Cross Abbott Co. and Dartmouth College's Kiewit Computation Center before attending New Hampshire Technologic Institute (NHTI) in Concord, NH. After graduating in 1970, Roger worked at the central office of New England Telephone which helped him realized that "big business" was not a career path for him. He returned to the Upper Valley to work as a mechanic for his maternal grandfather, Edmond Dulac, at Dulac's Auto Repair Shop which had been operating for over 60 years on Taft's Flat in White River Junction. Roger took over the business and moved it to Barnes Avenue; Roger's Garage was in service for 18 years. After 27 years in the automotive business, Roger retired in 2003.

Roger and Ellen, his wife of 44 years, had their first date at the Wobbly Barn in Killington, VT; they married on October 12, 1979. Even after 43 years, he always referred to Ellen as his bride. In 1985, they moved to their beloved Norwich home on the Connecticut River where they raised their children, Emily and Peta. Roger loved this property and enjoyed landscaping and helping the neighbors with any projects they had. Roger's great love was the river, where he loved to waterski, teaching Em and Peta to love waterskiing at a young ages too. Roger enjoyed pulling kids around in a tube and make them laugh and scream as he tried to "dump" them. He was an avid fisherman, a passion he passed on to his granddaughter, Tess, who loved to go out with him and fish any hour of the day.

Roger had a lifelong passion for skiing. In his younger years, he and a group of fellow skiers enjoyed many trips to Loon Mountain and Bretton Woods. Roger always enjoyed helping out with Peta's ski jumping team and being a volunteer at all the meets. His latest ski adventures were at Sugarloaf, where he spent time at a friend's chalet skiing and enjoying home cooked feasts.

To be able to say "I am from Norwich" meant the world to Roger. He was proud of his town and dedicated countless hours of his spare time in public service to it. His formal service to Norwich earned him the titles selectboard member, selectboard chair, and lister. In addition, Roger had many valued but untitled roles in Norwich. For residents at Norwich Senior Housing, Roger was more than just a helping hand; after doing odd jobs around the property, he would often swap stories with residents over a cup of tea. He took pride in his hours of volunteer trail upkeep at the Milton Frye Nature Preserve, knowing how much the kids at the Marion Cross School use and enjoy them.

Roger was passionate about recycling and promoted it wherever he went. He was always prepared with a bag to pick up any that he found. Roger was easy to spot driving around town in his red Toyota Tacoma; for 14 of those years his yellow Labrador, Cooper, joined Roger on his outings as "Papa's" proud companion. At the Historical Society, Roger dedicated countless hours to upkeep as well as restoration projects. He loved keeping the fence white and pristine each year as well as making sure the grass was mowed and gardens well kept. Roger's surprise 70th birthday party was held there so friends and family could celebrate in one of his favorite places. In 2008, Roger won a community service award from the Norwich Grange, a location where he and Ellen would regularly attend Saturday Pancake Breakfasts with friends.

Roger was a reliable friend to all that knew him. He was easy to talk to, work with, confide in, and just to be around. As a "go to" person for his wide range of skills, always had a "to-do" list of projects at home and in town. Roger felt fulfilled knowing how much he was appreciated no matter how big the "job" was or how many hours it would take. He was a truly honest man who gave sincere suggestions and heartfelt advice. Roger never wanted to be thanked for his countless hours of community service; for him, knowing the joy it brought others was priceless.

Roger's confidence and belief in himself and others got him through many difficult situations. He lived every day to the fullest, and all the people in his life each had their own special place in his heart. Roger was a strong adherent to the mantra "Friends are the family you choose," and his neighbors on Kendall Station Road are no exception. He knew how lucky he was to be part of such a unique, supportive, welcoming, and tight knit community. Roger and Ellen made friends wherever they went; as longtime attendees of weekend church suppers, they would be as happy to sit with old friends as to join a table of new faces. Roger's passing leaves a big hole, but his improvements to Norwich will continue to impact and inspire its residents.

Roger is survived by his bride, Ellen; his daughter, Emily, her wife, Marie, and their daughter, Tess; his son, Peta and his partner, Jordan; Ellen's sister, Jane, and her husband, Martin; and an infinite number of neighbors and friends with whom he skied, fished, split wood, had flotillas in the river, talked Norwich, and to whom he was always willing to lend a helping hand.

The family would like to thank all the emergency personnel who aided in the search for both their professionalism and empathy during such a difficult situation. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Norwich Historical Society in Roger Blake's memory.

A celebration of life will be held at the Norwich Historical Society on May 21st, 2023 from 1-3PM. The family would love it if everyone could bring a written memory with them to the celebration, for them to cherish and keep.