Mark Anthony Blakley, born Aug. 1 , 1955, was called home after a short illness. He was the first child of Rita and Estell Blakley. Mark was born in Morton, Wash., and was raised in Packwood, Wash. The Blakley family went back many generations in the Packwood area, of which he was so proud.
Next time you go over highway 12 in that direction, notice the sign, "Blakley Rd.," to your right as you pass by. Mark was a true mountain man and lived to fish and hunt. Most recently, he had the opportunity to serve as Boy Scout Camp Fife caretaker, truly in his element. He was a farm mechanic by trade and was known to be the best rewiring guy in the lower valley.
In his youth, he sowed wild oats, but eventually through lots of rough times he came to know the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He hasn't always gotten it right, but he kept at it and often said Heavenly Father isn't through with me yet.
Mark had two children, Zachary Shaun of the Packwood area and Amanda Nichole currently of Bremerton, Wash.; three grandsons; and two granddaughters. When he married Gloria 16 years ago, he also acquired multiple grandchildren, about 26 between them; and about 12 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; brother, Brian Blakley of Pullman, Wash.; sister, Joan Blakley of Yakima, Wash.; three nephews; many cousins; and a special person he referred to as his cousin, brother, Eddie Blakley, whom he thought of as a brother.
A remembrance service will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, at 11 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 500 Nathaniel Ln., Zillah, WA 98953.
To share a memory of Mark, please visit keithandkeith.com.
