Page 89 - ‘A Blaker Family History’ The family history of Joseph Blaker (1916-2007; ‘Joe’)

© The Blaker Society
© The Blaker Society

‘Joe’ and ‘Peg’ were strongly family-orientated and took great delight in
their children and grandchildren.

‘Joe’ and ‘Peg’ with Grandchildren James, Paul and Jonathan; Christmas 2002

‘Joe’ was a very active man, always eager to help, and possessing a very
calm temperament. He was very involved with his local church – St.
George’s – organising church cleaning, renovation and the important
Covenant scheme for the church finances.

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In June 2004, ‘Joe’ and ‘Peg’ celebrated their 60 Wedding Anniversary,
followed by a blessing and renewal of wedding vows at St. George’s
Roman Catholic Church, Court Farm Road, Hove, East Sussex.

‘Peg’ and ‘Joe’ Blaker: June 2004

Renewal of Wedding Vows: June 2004, St. George’s Church, Hove

‘Joe’ enjoyed the occasional drink of Cognac, with ‘Hennessy Paradis’ being
his favorite tipple – indeed, his will specified that a good measure of this
choice cognac was to be included in his coffin – needless to say, we
obliged!

‘Joe’ Blaker with Cognac Trolley, Christmas 2005

In November 2005, during a holiday in the Lake District, ‘Joe’ was
admitted to Furness General Hospital suffering from chest pains and
emesis, and after initial review, declined a more extensive period of
investigation. In February 2006, after a lengthy period of ill health, ‘Joe’
was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. During his illness, he
received wonderful support from Caroline Clews, his allocated Macmillan
community nurse. After a number of hospital admissions and treatment,
in mid June 2006, ‘Joe’ was transferred to the Martlets Hospice, Wayfield
Avenue, Hove, where he was expected to pass his last days. Miraculously,
with the help of the all-embracing care and love in the Hospice, he
recovered, and, much to the amazement of his doctors, nurses and family,
was discharged 5.5 weeks after his admission. He then moved to Dane
House Care Home, where he lived until his death. During that time, his
wife, ‘Peg’, visited him almost every day, and they both demonstrated a
precious love, great faith and a determination to live each day at a time.

‘Joe’ and ‘Peg’: October 2006

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In November 2006, ‘Joe’ celebrated his 90 birthday with family and
friends at the family home in Cobton Drive, Hove. His birthday cake