Brigadier General Edward Blake LaMar, Sr.

1932–2026

Brigadier General Edward Blake LaMar, Sr., known to family and friends as Blake, passed away peacefully at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California, on October 5, 2026. He was 93 years old. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1932, Blake spent his early childhood there before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he met Alice Leggett, the love of his life and his wife of nearly 60 years.

Blake's lifelong passion for aviation began at an early age. At just 18, he joined the United States Air Force and entered aviation cadet training. Upon graduating at 19, he found himself flying one of the hottest aircraft in the Air Force inventory, the legendary F-86 Sabre Jet fighter. It was the beginning of an extraordinary flying career that would span nearly seven decades. In 1958, Blake joined Continental Airlines and married Alice. While building his career as a commercial airline pilot, he continued to serve his country as a fighter pilot in the

Air National Guard. In 1969, he deployed to Vietnam, flying air defense, bomber escort, and close air support missions. His military career culminated in his promotion to Brigadier General in the California Air National Guard before his retirement in 1984. Blake's love of flying never diminished. As a Continental Airlines captain, he was among the pilots whose experiences helped make the case for raising the FAA's mandatory retirement age for airline pilots from 60 to 65, a change that would eventually become law. Although required to retire as an airline captain at 60, he continued flying for Continental as a maintenance test pilot until age 66. Even then, he was far from finished with aviation. He continued flying with the Commemorative Air Force and piloting his beloved Piper Cherokee well into his late 80s. For Blake, flying was never simply a profession. It was a lifelong passion.

His dedication to service extended well beyond the cockpit. A longtime resident of Palos Verdes Estates, Blake generously devoted his time to his community, serving in numerous city positions. He was also a faithful member of Christ Episcopal Church for more than 50 years.

Blake was a real character, blessed with a quick wit, an engaging personality, and a genuine love of people. Funny and charismatic, he had a way of making those around him feel welcome and appreciated. He surrounded himself with strong, kind, capable people and had a remarkable ability to recognize and bring out the best in them.

Whether in the cockpit, in his community, or among friends and family, Blake made life a little more interesting and a lot more enjoyable for those fortunate enough to know him. Above all, Blake was devoted to his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice, who passed away in 2017. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his favorite feline companion, Buddy Bud.

Blake lived an extraordinary life, filled with adventure, friendship, love, and service. He will be remembered not only for the remarkable things he accomplished but for the enthusiasm and joy with which he embraced life. His was a life well lived, and he will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Blake's life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Christ Episcopal Church.