Hugh Blake-Thomas

Hugh Blake-Thomas, age 81, of Northville, Michigan, passed away on May 28, 2024.  He was born on January 17, 1943 in Manchester, England; son of Hugh and Yvonne (Clark) Blake-Thomas. His birth took place in an air raid shelter during the bombing blitz by Germany during World War II.  Hugh’s father was British, and his mother was American. His first three years of life were spent in England in air raid shelters during heavy bombing. A year after the war ended, the family moved to the United States.

Hugh graduated from Effingham High School, class of 1961. He completed his undergraduate degree at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana with studies abroad at the University of Freiburg in Germany and Oxford University in England. Furthering his education, Hugh received his Law Degree from the University of Illinois Law School. Hugh was united in marriage to Eva Jane Powel on June 11, 1966. At Hugh’s death, they had celebrated over 57 years dedicated to one another.

Hugh was a brilliant and successful corporate lawyer with an environmental specialty; he retired in 2005 from Berry Moorman in Detroit but continued working part time for several years after that. Hugh’s work in environmental law covered almost fifty years, the final years in Detroit being the zenith of his accomplishments when he successfully worked with others to save the city of Madison Heights from the harmful effects of a toxic waste facility. One of his best moments was when opposing counsel in one of the many lawsuits called Hugh a “one man wrecking crew.” He never lost his interest in helping protect the public from environmental problems.

Hugh's greatest passion was his family. He dedicated all his free time to being with them, embracing his role as a devoted Gogga (grandpa) by attending countless sporting events, academic achievements, and performances. His favorite pastime was the annual snowmobiling trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with his sons. Hugh also cherished relaxing and unwinding with his family at their lake house in Trout Lake. Known as the great family historian, he took immense pride in his heritage, eagerly sharing his family's legacy with anyone who would listen. Additionally, Hugh treasured his yearly trips with his wife to the United Kingdom to visit family.

Hugh is survived by his beloved wife Jane; his sons, David Blake-Thomas, Hugh (Kristin) Blake-Thomas, and Clay (Bessy Despotis) Thomas; his grandchildren, Evan and Reed Blake-Thomas and Ava, Irena, and Ivana Thomas; his sister-in-law Marcia Thomas; and his nephew Blake Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother David Thomas.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 31, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. with the funeral service beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery, 912 E. Jefferson Ave., Effingham, Illinois 62401.