Kenneth “Ken” Neal Blakely

Published 8:20 am Thursday, November 1, 2018

October 7, 1927 – September 24, 2018

Kenneth “Ken” Neal Blakely of Bend, Oregon, passed away peacefully September 24, 2018, of natural causes, surrounded by his family. He was 90.

A private gathering of family and friends at the graveside will take place on November 2, 2018.

Ken was born October 7, 1927, in Bemidji, Minnesota, to parents Lawrence and Evelyn (Larkin) Blakely. As a young child, Ken moved with his family from Minnesota to Bend, Oregon. He spent his early years with his family living in various logging camps throughout Central Oregon, and he graduated from Bend Senior High in 1945. He joined the army at the age of 19 during the end of WWII, and was stationed in Iceland for two years.

Ken returned to Bend after completing his military service, where he received an honorable discharge. He worked at Brooks-Scanlon Lumber Company maintaining railroad equipment and later driving logging trucks. In the late 1960s, he changed careers and worked in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, retiring in 1989 at the age of 62.

Ken married Virginia Ferguson in 1956 and they lived together in Bend until her death in 2003. Together they raised three children, Gina Blakely, Thomas Blakely, and James Blakely, as well as two grandchildren, Jennifer Vandehey and Megan Vandehey.

Ken enjoyed landscaping activities, cutting firewood, annual camping trips with his siblings and their families, and weekend trips to a cabin outside of Bend. He enjoyed feeding the neighborhood birds and all things “trains.” His family and friends will always remember him as easy going, friendly, and always willing to help out when needed.

Kenneth Blakely is survived by his current wife, Mattie Blakely, of Bend, his three children, his older brother, Robert Blakely of Denver, Colorado, and his younger sisters, Carolyn Nelson of Bend, and Patricia Logue of Lacey, Washington.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia Blakely and his younger sister, Shirley Moty.

Memorial contributions in Ken’s memory can be made to Partners in Care Hospice, 2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend, OR 97701. www.partnersbend.org

Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home is honored to serve the family (541) 382-2471. Visit our online register book to send condolences and share treasured memories at niswonger-reynolds.com.