Blake Kenneth Wagner passed away on Jan. 27, 2014, at Southern California Hospital in Culver City.
A longtime Malibu resident, Blake was born on Nov. 8, 1951. He grew up in Longview, Wash., with his brother and sister. When he was 12 years old, Blake and his family relocated to Martinez, Calif., outside the Oakland area, where he graduated high school and went to college to study structural engineering design.
In May 1971, Blake enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served his tour of duty at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He was honorably discharged in May 1973.
In May 1979, Blake moved to Malibu where he worked in construction as a carpenter, electrician and roofer. From 1983 to 2006, Blake also worked as a bartender and doorman at the Dume Room Bar. Regulars of the Dume Room will remember him for his grumpy sense of humor, refusal to make blended drinks (claiming the blender was always broken) and refusal to take credit cards. “His last call announcements were often loud enough to be heard light years away,” loved ones joked.
Everyone knew of Blake’s love for baseball, especially the San Francisco Giants. He played and coached the Dume Room local softball team for three years. For 12 years, Blake played and coached the Easyriders team. They shared his enthusiasm for the game and won four championship tournaments.
Blake was preceded in death by his parents and brother. His sister survives him.
“Blake will be greatly missed by his many friends for all of his antics, humor, quick wit and genuine spirit of respect and friendship,” loved ones said.
There will be a celebration of life in Blake’s honor at Spruzzo’s Restaurant on Feb. 8, 2014, at 3 p.m.