Ben Blake Obituary

Blake
Ben K.
Blake
February 13, 1941
December 1, 2025

A man of deep faith, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, loyal friend, and dedicated public servant, Ben passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord at home on December 1, 2025, at the age of 84. His life was marked by service, strength, quiet humility, and unwavering integrity.
Ben was a native of Colorado Springs, born to Virgil and Loreta Blake in Beth-El Hospital (Memorial). He grew up on the west side and graduated from Colorado Springs High School (Palmer), class of 1959. Committed to lifelong learning, he continued his education at Northeastern Junior College, Metropolitan State College, and Northwestern University.
In 1962, Ben married Judi Gibbs, and together they shared life and love for over 63 years. As a father, Ben was present in every sense of the word. He coached baseball and softball, served as manager of the Aurora Shamrocks, and attended every baseball, football, basketball, softball, and ice-skating event. He was his children's most enthusiastic fan – steady, proud, and always in the stands.
Ben began his law enforcement career with the Aurora, Colorado Police Department in 1963. He steadily advanced through the ranks and was selected as Chief of Police in 1978, serving in that capacity until his retirement in 1986.
Throughout his career, Ben participated on numerous committees and boards, including the Rules Committee on Peace Officers Standards and Training for Colorado, the Arapahoe County Criminal Justice Committee, and the Organized Crime Strike Force. He chaired the Colorado Crime Information Center Advisory Board and contributed to the Governor's Council on Terrorism and Drunk Driving. He also gave his time as a member of the Aurora YMCA Board of Directors.
In 1968, alongside several other city employees, Ben helped establish the Aurora Federal Credit Union and served as its first President. What began as a small initiative, the credit union has grown to serve over 7,000 members – a testament to his vision and commitment to community.
An active member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Aurora for more than 20 years, he served as a Deacon and was on the Board of Elders, as well as volunteering in many other capacities. His faith was not only professed but was lived daily through quiet acts of kindness and steadfast example.
Ben continued his public service as Superintendent of Police in Schererville, IN in 1988. In 1990, he was selected as Chief of Police in Carpentersville, IL, a northwestern suburb of Chicago. He retired again in 1998 and returned to his hometown of Colorado Springs.
While in Carpentersville, Ben confronted the community's growing gang problem by partnering with the Director of Parks and Recreation and became the driving force behind establishing a Boys and Girls Club. What began with just a dozen children, the club now serves more than 1,700 members, a living legacy of his belief that investing in youth could transform a community.
Ben was an avid golfer, accomplished woodworker, self-taught guitar player, talented photographer, and undying fan of the Denver Broncos and the AFA Falcons.
Each Christmas, he delighted in crafting wooden toys for the neighborhood children.
Ben's devotion to his family was the cornerstone of his life. He led with humility and loved unconditionally. His strength was steady, his word was dependable, and his presence was reassuring. Those who knew him will remember him as a man of honor, faith, and integrity – a man who made the communities he served stronger and every life he touched a little bit better.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kathy Wallace. He is survived by his wife, Judi, son, Todd Blake, daughter, Stacey Nielsen (Peter), grandson, Blake Nielsen (Claudia), granddaughter, Eden Nielsen, great-grandson, Thomas Nielsen, brother-in law, Carl Wallace, brother-in-law, Dale Gibbs (Phan), nieces Kim Topping (Ron), Jodie Powell (Tim), Giao Pham (Nelson Lau), Cung Mi Pham (Thuan Nguyen), Y Pham, and nephews, Brandon Wallace (Debbie), and Thuy Pham.
A memorial service honoring Ben will be held on April 18, 2026, at Academy Christian Church, 1635 Old Ranch Road, Colorado Springs, CO, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception following.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made in Ben's name to: Boys and Girls Club of the Northwest Suburbs, 20 S. Grove St., Suite 201, Carpentersville, IL 60110, or http://bgcnws.org/benblake/
"Well done, good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:21