Blake T. Haskell, 68

Blake T. Haskell died peacefully on Sept. 30 with his loving wife Deborah at his side. He was 68.

Born to Philip and Evelyn Haskell of Easton, Conn., on March 31, 1953, Blake was known to many as a prankster. His colorful imagination afforded him a joke or story for every situation, good and bad. He kept in touch with many friends over the years and genuinely enjoyed making people happy. He will be forever remembered as a man with a kind heart and a caring soul.

Blake began his career at Boston EMS as an EMT and one of the first telecommunicators who co-occupied the Boston Police Department “Turret” in the 1970s. It was there where he learned the skills that would provide him with a successful career as a telecommunications consultant. He went on to work for the City of New York’s Office of Telecommunications, MetroMobile, and AT&T. In 2000, Blake opened his own telecommunications consultancy, J.D. Hunter Inc., named after his grandchildren.

As a mentor, Blake gained the trust and friendship of many in the 9-1-1 profession. He was a proud member of APCO as well as a dedicated and thoughtful supporter of many local and national police and fire departments and emergency medical services. Known to some as K1BTH, Blake had a passion for telecommunications that extended to a love for HAM radio.

Blake was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Philip Jr., Beth, and Greg. He was loved deeply by his friends and family and was survived by Deborah’s son, Nathaniel, and his children, Hunter and John Herron; his siblings Ann, Richard, and Leigh; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boston EMS Relief Association in memory of Blake. To honor and celebrate Blake’s life, a memorial service will be held in Round Pond, Maine, in the spring.