Robert D. Blake ’65

Robert D. Blake ’65, a quintessential Dartmouth man, passed away in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts, on December 22, 2023, from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. He came to Dartmouth from West Newton, Massachusetts, via Moses Brown School. As an undergraduate Bob, an English major, was president of the Glee Club, a member of Phi Kappa Psi and the Outing Club, and participated in Navy ROTC. Following graduation Bob spent two years with the Navy, then returned to Tuck School for one year. He then joined MIT, beginning a career in governance and fundraising, running alumni programs, and coordinating faculty tours and other projects. He received an honorary degree from MIT in 1990. Bob also stayed active in the Navy Reserve from 1967 to 1994, retiring as a captain. Bob and Sharon traveled as often as possible. Their last trip was an 80-day cruise around South America, Antarctica, the Falklands, the Amazon, Devils Island, and some Caribbean islands. It was the trip of a lifetime, and their final adventure. Bob remained active as a volunteer for Dartmouth and the class of 1965 in many capacities. He was a class officer, worked for many years on Dartmouth College Fund giving, and helped organize a number of reunions. He has been a presence in alumni club activities, eventually becoming president of the Club Officers Association. In 1996 Bob received the Dartmouth College Alumni Award. Per his request, he was buried at sea by the U.S. Navy.