Herbert Nathaniel Blake, 92, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 15, 2014.

Herbert was born in Hallowell, Maine, on September 29, 1921, the son of Benjamin Homer and Maggie Baston Carter Blake.

Herbert was preceded in death by his brothers, Winthrop, Oliver, Richard; and sisters, Louise and Jean.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Thomas (Rita) Blake, of Craig, Alaska, daughter, Mary Ann Blake, of Sequim; son, Jonathan Blake, of Ryderwood, Washington; grandson, Christopher Blake, and two great granddaughters, all residing in California; sister, Virginia (Richard) Choate, of Farmingdale, Maine; and brothers, Roger Blake, of Farmingdale and William Blake of Lubec, Maine; and many nieces and nephews.

After attending high school, Herbert was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps for two years before joining the Army. He was honorably discharged after serving two years due to asthma.

From a young age Herbert’s desire was to be a sailor. Therefore, he spent forty-six years as a merchant seaman. He thoroughly enjoyed “going to sea.”

Herbert was a member of the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific from February 1, 1944 until his “final departure,” a member of Goodrich-Caldwell American Legion, Post 6 of Hallowell, Maine, for 63 years, and the Maine Mayflower Society for 27 years.

A committal service was held at 11 a.m. on Good Friday, April 18, 2014, at Sequim View Cemetery, where Herbert often walked during his ten year residence in Sequim.

The Seaman’s Prayer

“The Lord is my Pilot, I shall not drift. He lighteth me across the dark waters; He steereth me in the deep channels; He keepeth my log.

He guideth me by the Star of Holiness for His name’s sake.

Yea, though I sail ‘mid the thunders and tempests of life

I shall dread no danger

For Thou art with me.

Thy love and Thy care they shelter me.

Thou preparest a harbor before me

In the homeland of eternity.

Thou anointest the waves with oil; My ship rideth calmly.

Surely, sunlight and starlight shall favor me on the voyage I take

And I will rest in the port of my

God forever.”