Roger B. Blake was born in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England, on March 13, 1939, to Roy and Margaret Blake. He passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC, on August 7, 2026, two days after celebrating his 59th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Leena.
Roger came to Canada with his family in September 1939 on the last boat to leave the UK before the outbreak of war. The family settled in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In 1946, they returned to the UK when his father was posted to the Canadian High Commission as Agriculture Attaché. Further moves followed—to Melbourne, Australia in 1950, and later to Port of Spain, Trinidad, where Roger lived until 1957.
Roger attended the Royal Military College, where he played soccer and football, captained the swim and water polo teams, and earned the Prince of Wales Trophy for best all-round athlete over four years. He graduated with a Diploma in Electrical Engineering and later completed his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at the University of Alberta.
He served three years in the RCAF as an Armament Officer with postings in Bagotville, PQ, and Val d’Or before joining the Trade Commissioner Service in 1965. His first posting was in Los Angeles, where he met and married Leena. Together they lived around the world during postings to Cairo, Rio de Janeiro, Perth, and Sydney. After a leave of absence, Roger was appointed Vice President of Canadair. Upon retirement, he and Leena returned to Perth, Western Australia.
In Perth, Roger became the personal assistant to the Vice Chancellor of Murdoch University, served as Chairman of two companies, and sat on the boards of five others. He and Leena launched a bakery franchise, establishing 17 stores in 17 months. Roger also taught English to immigrants for more than 15 years and served on the Autism Board in Perth. A lifelong learner, he was a proud member of Mensa. In 2017, he returned to Canada to be closer to five of his seven grandchildren living in the United States.
Roger fulfilled one of his greatest ambitions—to lead a diverse and meaningful career. He served in the military, taught English, held senior government roles, led in the private sector, and became a successful entrepreneur. He was an avid golfer and a member of Royal Colwood Golf Club.
Roger is survived by his devoted wife, Leena, his three children Andrew, Robbie, and Tanja, his seven cherished grandchildren Blake, Toby, Tayla, Larry, Marcus, Addison and Cameron, and his brother Ian.
He will be remembered for his curiosity, his generosity, his sharp wit, his love for his family, and the deep friendships he nurtured throughout his life.
Private family cremation arrangements are entrusted to McCall Gardens.
Condolences may be offered below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Blake” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
22 Responses
Dear Leena and family,
It is with a deep sense of sadness that I write to pass on condolences of Isabel and I following the passing of Roger. As you know Roger and I had much in common through our service and diplomatic roles, golf and most importantly our regular Monday morning emails discussing the good and bad performances of our football (soccer) teams. I’m afraid it’s the latter I will miss most. A great friend and an absolute gentleman I will also miss the laughter, encouragement and support he always gave me when ending our conversations. Farewell Buddy, rest in peace. Phil and Isabel Orchard.
Saddened by the news of classmate and team mate Roger’s passing.
Sincere condolences to Leena, family, friends and all whose lives were touched by Roger.
May he be granted eternal rest.
Goodbye old friend.
H-5276 Digger
Our thoughts are with you Leena and your family. The last time we saw you was when we were posted in Copenhagen in the early 90’s and I arranged for you to pick up a Bang and Olefsen stero around the corner from the Embassy. I envied you retiring to Perth – my favourite city in Australia – only visited it at least 12 times during my posting in Melbourne – when the decision to open the ConGen was made. It is now time to celebrate Roger’s adventurous life. John & Judie
I knew Roger through the big Dutchman
Gentle caring and always interested in others .
A great innings.
Many happy memories of his and Leena’s time in Perth – our neighbours. Sending love and sympathy to Roger’s family- he was a lovely man and will be much missed. May he rest in peace.
dear Leena and family – we are very sorry to have been a million miles away from you towards the end. After you came to Victoria we enjoyed renewing our friendship with you both through dinners and lunches. Roger was a great boss and a great friend. He excelled at all he did and you two were a great team. Courage. David & Jacquie
Our deepest sympathies on your loss. Roger was a warm, wonderful gentleman. Having had the pleasure of first meeting him as part of our honorary consular duties in Perth and then as an inaugural member of our small but intimate tennis group – where he was affectionately known (self-titled) as the 12th man – we enjoyed his camaraderie, humour and friendship. Vale Roger.
From David and Karita Greatwich
Imagine having Roger as your boss, when you are posted to Rio on secondment from the rather dull world of Corporate Research? That was Bill’s good fortune. There was never a dull moment! Bill went on to have a fine career in the Trade Commissioner Service, thanks to Roger’s patience and guidance during those first two years. We have remained in good touch.
Leena, my heart goes out to you, my friend over 53 years. You and your family have lost a wonderful husband, father, grandfather. The rest of us have a lost a larger-than-life force. Thankfully, our memories of Roger live on.
Farewell my true and honourable friend.
Dear Leena, we were so saddened to hear of Roger’s passing, so difficult to believe. Our thoughts are with you and your family. We wish you and your family all the strength. I had in fact intended to write you and Roger on August 20th, as we celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. Hard to believe how fast time has passed since we married at your house in Leblon, on Rua Felix Pacheco. Luci and Robert