Boyd Blaker

Boyd William (Bill) Blaker, 87, of Rockport passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 4 of heart failure.

He was born on April 21, 1934, at Framingham Union Hospital. He was the son of the late Boyd M and Catherine (Portmore) Blaker. Bill lived his early life on Cape Cod but upgraded to his lifelong cape, Cape Ann, when he was blessed to find his wife of 63 years, Marilyn (Tuck).

Bill was an avid supporter of making Rockport a better place for all. Serving many roles in Rockport, he worked as everything from a town police officer to a Parks Department foreman, but most proudly served many years as a volunteer fireman (until forced retirement at 70), driving Engine 1 to countless service calls at all hours and in all weather. Whether he was keeping the pumps flowing to fight a fire or driving a plow on Bearskin Neck in the Blizzard of 1978, Bill served the town of Rockport and its people until his retirement in 1996.

Bill is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Tuck), whom he married July 4, 1958, sons Victor Blaker of Rockport and David Blaker of Gorham, Maine, and daughter Janice Roberts of Hopkinton. In addition to his three children, Bill was the proud grandfather of Amy Haynes, Daniel Blaker, Kevin Roberts and Matthew Roberts, and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date this year.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Rockport Firemen’s Association, P.O. Box 2, Rockport, MA 01966. Arrangements are being handled by the Greely Funeral Home, Gloucester.