Sadly, this afternoon, Colorado has lost a beloved journalist in the passing of Peter Blake, 80. Blake worked at the Rocky Mountain News for 39 years. He also reported for Complete Colorado. According to his friends, Blake died after a short, but brave, battle with cancer.

While Blake was 80, his friends joked (or not) that he was doing journalism better than most 30 year olds. He was tough, but fair – and thoughtful, often defending the little guy and exposing the unfairness in situations.

Blake began his long career in journalism at the Yale Daily News, the newspaper of his alma mater, Yale University. After being drafted into the U.S. Army and serving for several years, he attended the University of Colorado Law School, where he met his wife, Sandy.

He wrote briefly for the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph before moving to New York City to write for the Wall Street Journal.

Blake was hired by the Rocky Mountain News in 1968 as an investigative journalist covering politics. When he accepted a buyout in May 2007, he was a columnist and editorial writer. He continued as a columnist during the legislative session until 2009. Blake was inducted into the Denver Press Club Hall of Fame in 2006.

Up until a couple of months before his death, Blake wrote political commentary for Complete Colorado and his work was syndicated throughout Colorado’s newspapers. Complete Colorado will publish its own tribute to Blake in the coming days.

Blake is survived by his wife, Sandy; his sons John (Shannon) and Dana (Haven) and grandchildren Alexandra, Connor, and Tabor. He also is survived by his sister, Alice, as well as nieces and nephews.

Colorado has lost a much-needed voice of sanity, and, for many, a remarkable friend.