Robert Blake Sr., 49, Minot, died Friday, September 6, 2013 in a work related accident in Minot.

Robert was born May 12, 1964 in Deadwood, SD to Don and Charlotte (Burr) Blake. He was raised and educated in Irene and Del Rapids, SD until his family settled to Towner, ND in 1975.

He began his professional life as an iron worker in Mesa, AZ. Robert worked on high rise buildings for a number of years until he returned to North Dakota and started Blake's Tree Service in 1986.

Robert was once married to Jodi Roy on April 14, 1985. This union was blessed with two children, Chantell and Robert Jr. They made their home in Burlington and Minot, while Robert has continued the operation of his business for nearly 28 years, expanding into snow removal.

Working hard was the key to the success of his business and he did it well. 'No job to big or small' was a motto he has followed for years.

He did find some free time to enjoy riding his Harley, snowmobiles, jetski, dirtbikes or anything with a motorit was usually fast as he had the need for speed! Robert could often be found playing in Minot's Olympic Pool League or following Dale Earnhardt Sr. during the season of NASCAR. Yet everything took a backseat to his family. He was proud of his entire family and always found a way to spoil his children and grandchildren. Robert you will be remembered as a loving son, father, grandfather, brother and friend. You mean so much more than we could ever say and you will be deeply missed by all who shared in your life.

His family includes, children, Robert Blake Jr. (Ashley Horn) and Chantell (James) Sparks, both of Minot; step-daughter, Brandi (Daniel) Bristow, Fountain, CO; grandchildren, Aiden and Rory Blake, Minot; step-grandchildren, Myah, Danny and ReAnna Bristow, Foutain, CO; parents, Don and Charlotte Blake, Towner, ND; sisters, Brenda (David) Schmitt, Towner, ND, Donna (Terry) Ness, Williston, ND and his favorite sister, Della Blake, Grand Forks, ND; brothers, Duane (Lynette) Blake and Donald (JoAnn) Blake both of Minot, ND in addition to numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Robert Sr. was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jess and Nina Blake and Viola and Marion Burr.

Funeral service: Celebration of Life Service for Robert Blake Sr: Friday, September 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot.

Interment: 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 13, 2013 at St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Towner, ND with a memorial motorcycle escort leaving from church at 1:30 p.m.

Visitation: Thursday, September 12, 2013, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials are preferred.