Our (Candi, Randy, and I) Dad, was born on July 14, 1947 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was married to our mom, Kay, for 50 years. They bought a place in Fort Myers, Florida (as both of their parents had previously done) to spend the rest of their lives there. Our mom preceded him by passing to Heaven 5 years earlier. He is survived by his wife, Clem, whom he married on June 7th, 2019. He was one of three boys born to Gerald and Beatrice Blease. He is survived by his brothers Jack and Dave. He had 10 Grandkids (in birth order): Dominique, Damon, Sam, Jacob, Sawyer, Tyler, Aiden, Trent, Easton, and Kaylyn. He had 1 Great Grandkid (Fin).
Dad passed on Monday, February 7th in Fort Myers, Florida. Dad had a history of lung issues and had pneumonia countless times. In September, he was diagnosed with Leukemia shortly after getting the COVID vaccine. Late January, he was diagnosed with COVID. He was hospitalized to monitor his blood levels, but left after a short stay. He returned a few days later and was diagnosed with pneumonia again. His condition went back and forth. The hospital said on Friday, February 4th that he was going to go to Long Term Care soon. On Monday, February 7th, we learned that his condition had gone down. Clem and Candi (and husband Tom and son Sam) were able to spend his last few hours with him. Randy (Nicole and twins/Easton and Kaylyn) and I (Crystal) headed down shortly after hearing of his passing.
Here is the link to the Funeral Home’s Obituary – https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/fort-myers-fl/phillip-blease-10577862. Feel free to post comments, etc on this page or theirs. I am going to link this post on their page.
My Dad did so many things, that I now do!
He served in Church. When we were younger he taught Sunday School, spoke and led services at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, directed and worked in Awana Clubs, spoke and led services at the Kalamazoo County Jail. He worked on security after moving to Florida. He witnessed and was part of Bible studies outside of church.
He ran occasionally. He invited me to go and I enjoyed those times together. I will never forget when he bought me my first running shoes.
He loved to ride motorcycles, he even got me one when I was young. He knew that I enjoyed it, but enjoyed Baseball (he was my coach too). He cared so much what I enjoyed most, he wanted me to stop riding motorcycles to pursue my Baseball Career (that didn’t last past Little League). I hadn’t been back on a motorcycle since, unless he gave me rides on all the different ones he had.
He loved working with tools. I would often spend time with him in his shop, just to be there. I enjoyed it because he enjoyed it. I still can do some of the stuff, but isn’t a passion for me.
He loved to play the electric organ. He had several different models and enjoyed learning new songs.
He loved trains. He bought me a set and I have enjoyed the activities we did around trains.
He rode bikes. So many memories around bikes. We would take them on trips, etc.
He loved to take trips. He didn’t travel much as a kid, but we took countless trips.
He loved to camp. We went from tents to campers, then he and mom had an RV.
He loved the water. We had a boat and would spend many weekends on it. He enjoyed swimming off the boat or at pools.
He loved electronics. He peaked my interest in them and went on to study them.
He loved animals, especially Basset Hounds! All his kids have had animals due to growing up around them.
He looked into going to Pensacola Christian College during his career, which helped me to choose where I would go!
He enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He wasn’t the center of conversation, but always enjoyed the company!
He collected Toy Tractors and then Airsoft/BB Guns.
It’s been great to get so many words from people via in person, text, social media, etc! He was a great man and proud to be his son! He would always say as God said to his son Jesus, “this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased!” I always tried to honor him in the same way, and will continue to do so!
Thanks Andy, it was good to see you and Crystal earlier. Linda Ehr
it was good to see you as always…
Andy. We are so sorry to hear of your dads passing. You have written a very fitting tribute to him. Thank you for sharing your memories. I remember many of those things from when we were kids as well.
You, Candi, Randy and all of your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Andy we are so sorry you are going through this but thankfully The Lord has promised good to us. My mom passed from leukemia in 2007. I pray God will heal your heartbreak.
Thanks Brenda…
To all of Phil’s family, I am so sorry for the death of Phil.
I used to live in River Estates and they were great people’s ( Phil, Kay )
And to Clem prayers to you.
My prayers are with all of you.
thanks for the comment Judy!
thanks Tim, you were around a lot back then!
TClaps, IT! Love it and am glad you’re able to continue his leadership lessons daily!
thanks buddy!
My condolences Andy to you your family and loved ones
thanks Stefan!
Honoring you dad!!
Proud of you brother and I know he is even more proud to have a Son like you. God speed brother
thanks bro!
Keeping you in prayer. Sounds like he was one heck of a godly man and his legacy and those he touched will live on.
thanks, he was a great man!
Sorry for your loss. Phil was a great guy. RIP my friend.
thanks Dan!
To Candy, Andy, Randy and extended family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time of loss. May GOD surround all of you and shed HIS mercies and grace upon you. We were traveling in Florida and were having lunch with Jackie and Duane Corstange. They brought up the time that the four couples (Kirby’s) had gone to the New Year’s celebration in downtown Kalamazoo, on the way home your folks and Corstange’s were together with your Dad driving. They cut thru the gas station parking lot on Westnedge and Crosstown Parkway to get in front on the other couples. Well they did but when we got thru the light they were on the side of the road with a police officer leaning in the window talking to your dad. Can’t remember if if got ticketed but we sure had a lot of laughs afterwards.
Again sorry for your loss and Julie and I will keep you all in our prayers.
Not sure if I remember that story, but very believable! Thanks for sharing that memory!