E. (Errol) Blaine Vance, age 67, beloved husband, father and grandfather, returned home to his Father in Heaven on February 18, 2022. A long-time resident of Mesa, he and his wife had recently moved to Taylor, Arizona.
Blaine was born May 7, 1954 in Mesa, Arizona to Claudia Lee (Blackmer Freeman) and Earl Reeseman Vance. His father passed away a short five years later, which had a great effect on Blaine’s life. He became his mother’s main support even from that young age and did everything he could to help her physically, emotionally and financially. He graduated from Tempe Union High School, attended Brigham Young University for a few years, and then went on to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), a profession he held with honor and trust throughout the rest of his career. He started his own company, Foresight Financial, based in Mesa. He also taught at the University of Phoenix, writing some of the curriculum for Financial Planning classes at that time. From 2003 – 2006, Blaine served as Deputy Treasurer of the State of Arizona with honor and distinction.
When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2001, Blaine faced it with his usual quiet bravery and determination. In 2016, he started a non-profit therapy gym, Rock Steady Boxing Mesa, with his son, Landon, and his wife, Karen, to help himself and others deal with the terrible effects of the disease. He was a great example of courage and dedication, building a family atmosphere in the Rock Steady gym.
Blaine was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints his entire life, and served in many callings, but his favorite was a short time as nursery leader. He was often called as a Stake or Ward financial clerk and generously gave his time in those callings. He loved being with people and people loved being with him. To many, he was best known for his beautiful tenor voice, and he sang semi-professionally from the young age of 11 when he performed solos on the record, “Lift Up Your Voice and Sing,” by the Tempe Primary Children’s choir; performed in community theatre in such productions as “Man of La Mancha” and “Show Boat,” and graciously sang for many funerals and programs, including the early years of the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant, then known as the Easter Sunrise Service.
His generosity, love and kindness were an integral part of who he was, and Blaine will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We are sure he was welcomed Home by his parents, Earl and Claudia, as well as an older brother, Richard Earl Vance, and other loved ones who pre-deceased him. He is survived by his (second) wife, Karen Kay Speakman-Vance; his daughter, Alycia Nicole Vance Wiliams (Garrett), and his son, Landon Kass Vance (Shawna); as well as his step-children, Ben Speakman (), Ryan Speakman, Emily Speakman, Matt Speakman, and Shawna Speakman Vance. He also leaves behind his younger siblings, Claudia Leeann Vance Hansen (Thomas) and David Allen Vance (Kim). He was very proud of his 19 grandchildren.
A viewing for family and friends will be held March 11, 2022 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Bunker Memorial Chapel at 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213. A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 10:00 am for family and close friends at the Ward Building (Lazona & University) 1345 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203.
In lieu of flowers, friends may choose to donate to Rock Steady Boxing Mesa NFP, a Parkinson’s therapy center, 501[c]3, at RockSteadyMesa.com.
For those of you who are unable to attend the service, please join us by using the zoom link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81231527478?pwd=WFd4eTUvc2R3Y1VLVk5Tb2xpeUlEdz09
Meeting ID: 812 3152 7478
Passcode: 632320
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
We were saddened to learn of Blaine’s passing. We enjoyed the time we were in the same ward; there was an affinity because John also has PD. Blaine was a good man who always had a smile and didn’t let his PD stop him from serving as best he could! We pray for you. Our love to you Karen, and the family.
Blaine was an entertaining choir director and was always kind.
Oh – so, so sorry for your loss! We’re building a home up in Taylor & was looking forward to getting re-aquinted. Planning on coming Saturday, but just found out his Mom is dying (she’s in the hospital in ShowLow & has called it quits on future treatment today), so…. You guys are the best – glad you found each other! Love you! ?
Blaine was exactly as everyone has described him- always smiling, a loving person to all and a beam of courage, faith and kindness radiating his gentleness to those of us grateful to know him. We lived next door to Blaine’s family 37 years ago and then we moved our family to Reno. When my father passed away a few years later Blaine traveled to San Diego to sing at his service. His voice filled the church with a heartfelt, beautiful rendition of, “Ave Maria.” Blaine touched all our hearts and he especially loved his Alycia and Landon immensely.❤️
I LOVE YOU EACH. As our Dad would say, “This Life and the next.” Blaine was/is ready. Ready or not, here we come at our own appointed time! Eternally, Naj
Was just thinking that Blaine had an intrepid Earth Walk and now he flies ? with the Angels and ? sings with the Music of the Spheres?. Hear him? I CAN! ?Peace and ❤️, Yer Cuz Lu