February 17, 1933 – January 9, 2022
Blake Adamson, age 88, passed away in Royal University Hospital on January 9, 2022.
Blake is survived by his wife of 66 years, Eileen (nee Gustafson) Adamson; daughter Beth, grandchildren Emma and Colin; daughter Ann (Grant), grandchildren Nathan and Matthew; son Douglas (Julia), grandchildren Laura and Aj; son Kenneth (Susanne), grandchildren Holly, Jacob and Maxwell, siblings Muriel, Raymond and Ross. Blake was predeceased by his parents Herbert and Olive, siblings John, Edmond, and Dorothy.
Blake was born on February 17, 1933 on his father’s homestead near Melfort, SK. At a young age, his family moved to Saskatoon. Blake attended Saskatoon Technical School where he met lifelong friends. Blake volunteered with the Boys Scouts as a pack leader, and served with the Merchant Marines both on the Great Lakes and the West Coast. Blake was especially proud of his service with the Smoke Jumpers in Saskatchewan.
Blake began his 35 year career in 1955 as a surveyor and completing his career as an Engineering Assistant. During that time he served as President of CUPE Local 59 and later became a member on the CUPE National Board. Blake was also an active member of the New Democratic Party of Saskatchewan.
Following retirement, Blake and Eileen fulfilled their lifelong dream of travelling to several countries including New Zealand, US, China, Italy, Cuba and England. They worked out daily, first at the Field House and later at the Shaw Centre. Blake volunteered for CARG.
Throughout their life together Blake and Eileen loved to play cards. If there wasn’t enough players for Bridge, there was 9-5-2 or Honeymoon Whist. Rum was always close at hand. They also loved to hike, camp, fish and canoe. Their campsites were creations to behold. They loved nature.
Blake will be remembered for his engaging personality, his friendship, his willingness to help, and his version of nursery rhymes that wildly amused children.
Sorting through photo albums and found this photo of my “cool” dad on one of his fishing trips. Those trips were the source of many of the tall tales we enjoyed as kids.
Attachment
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Blake. I worked with him for a number of years through the 80’s and continued to see him following retirement as he dropped in the library.
Richard
Aunt Eileen, Beth, Ann, Doug, Ken and families, Ann recently shared a photo of Uncle Blake, he was relaxed with a nice big smile. Always the way I remember him, always seemed to have a smile for us. Always in our hearts. Love to all.
It was 1967 and Blake, Eileen , my wife Vina, and myself were starting a 40 year tradition of playing bridge every Friday night. Blake and Eileen were partners and Eileen was playing the hand with Blake being the dummy (no pun intended. He was standing behind her watching her play when she apparently did something wrong, at which point he slapped her on the back of her head. He immediately knew he was on thin ice and said something like “Oops”. The earth stopped turning as Eileen said in no uncertain terms “GO – SIT- DOWN”. Needless to say that’s exactly what he did. After the evening was over and Blake and Eileen had left Vina declared no matter what she was not going to be his partner. The following Friday we again got together to play and it was suggested that Eileen and I would be partners against Blake and Vina. That partnership lasted for 20 years until we started to change partners after every rubber (but that’s another story). It was the first time I ever saw Blake speechless and embarassed and of course I have never let him forget about it. Bob Edwards
Camping at Flotten. Blake, Eileen and family were there before us and all set up in the trees. We arrived late and set up by the beach. We had Bob and I and two small children ( 5 and 2) and a dog in a tent. It poured rain all night continued the next morning. When I woke up I heard a voice, “Are you awake?” I looked out and saw rubber boots. It was Blake. He said, “Give me the kids. We are set up with and tarp and will keep them while you get organized.” Thank you Blake and Eileen. That was the first of many trips to Flotten with them. Vina Edwards
Aunt Eileen, Beth, Ann, Doug, Ken and families, We send out sympathies to you all. This is one of my favorite pictures of Blake with Ray and Ross. I think it is a good visual of the fun that happened when the Adamson’s were together, I heard of, but never experienced on of the fishing trips, but I do remember the playing cards when we were together. I am thankful for the contribution that Blake made in researching and publishing the family tree and in organizing the family reunions. It brought us all together and added to our happy family memories. Sending our love- Barb, Neil and Jeff
Attachment
I worked with Blake at city yards, had many bridge games at lunch time and at their home in the evening, yes the rum was always there. Eileen, my condolences, I’m sure he is still playing bridge upstairs..
Keith and Vicki
My most sincere condolences to the family of Blake. I knew him from my time at the City of Saskatoon and from CUPE 59, and later would run into him now and then at various events and at the Community Clinic. A good man. An ethical and caring man. He made a great contribution to the world around him.
To Mrs. Adamson and Ann, Beth, Doug and Kenny. I am so very sorry for your loss. It is hard to say goodbye, especially to someone as amazing as your hubby and dad. My thanks to you all, for sharing him with other neighbourhood children, like me. His camping tricks and canoeing skills are imprinted on my fondest memories. I loved the balance beam he built for his girls in the backyard! Thinking of you all at this most difficult time.
Linda Wood, Ward Layton and family.
LINDA WOOD
January 16, 2022
Ted Walshaw, Blake Adamson, Bob Edwards, Gerry Heskett
Our deepest sympathies to the whole Adamson and Gustafson families. My first memory of Blake was their wedding. I was four at the time. As I child I thought Eileen was so fortunate to have such a handsome and fun husband. It was an thought that never changed. Even though our paths crossed only occasionally, there was always a steadiness in knowing he was there. Dad (Elon) thought so highly of him and that made an impression on me.
Sue and I were saddened by the news of Blake’s passing. I worked with Blake for 2 years when I first started with the City of Saskatoon. We have great memories of after work rum fests along with Stan Guenther at Blake and Eileen’s home.