Lieutenant Commander Rock Edward Blais, of Virginia Beach, a US Navy SEAL and member of the United States Special Operations Command Parachute Team died on Thursday, August 30th, 2001 from complications after being injured while parachuting into Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, where he was stationed.
LCDR Blais was a Naval Officer and SEAL for over 13 years. A few highlights of his numerous military accomplishments include over 1000 parachute jumps, three Navy Commendation Medals, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and a Navy Achievement Medal.
Lieutenant Commander Blais
LOVING A SEAL
Itís a far away love in a far away land and though you know
that heís far away; you keep loving him with each passing day.
Remember, heís thinking of you day and night, heís sad scared and lonely with not much to say.
But always be with him forever more, for itís your
SEAL who has the hardest chore.
Tom, you have my deepest compassion, you were like a second father to a lot of us in the past and have endured great pain and pleasure in a world you lived to the fullest. Michael
‘Rocky’, as he was known to me growing up in Norfolk, Va., was quite the football player, despite the tender age of 5 or 6. I recall a very bad break of his kneecap, while playing football, that did not deter him one bit. May God bless and comfort the Blaise family.
A loss for all who knew him and for the entire Naval Special Warfare community…he was a rising star and one of the best all-around officers in the Teams.
A warrior who did his best and made his country proud.
A young lad once sat with me at an isolated training area and I had asked of him what do you make of all these loud noises. He schrugged his shoulders and smiled and said, ” if my pop can handle this, then by golly so can I”
The noise was from exposions in the distance but the real ruckus was right here at the camp fire. In the eyes of this young man lay the dreams and hope of a future not yet fathomed.
Rock my young hanai nephew, student, and Teammate Aloha No for the skies are no longer the limit.
Although I never had the honor of meeting Rock,I know he made you very happy & was a wonderful person.When you & I were kids & use to talk about all the things we would do when we got older, I don’t remember this being one of them. Please know I am so sorry for you, the kids & rock’s family. I will be here for you for anything you need. love you
Although Rock is gone, he is not forgotten. I am sorry to hear of such great loss. Rock was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
As a dear friend of Michelle, I feel blessed to have met her Uncle Rock, a wonderful spirit who spread his strong, positive energy to all.
As a human being, no finer can be found. A gentleman and a warrior. There will always be a vacuum in the ranks of leaders.
Blais Family,
May time bring comfort to you all. Each treasured memory is just a small part of the gifts that your loved one has left in your heart.
Bayside classmate and friend of Maria- so sorry for your loss.
Both Bob and I are saddened by your loss. Rock was a great guy and a terrific naval officer. My dad still wears the SEAL insignia that Rock gave him while we were stationed in Puerto Rico. My parents are also saddened by this event. God Bless.
Carol and Bob Kahler
Dear Family,
of one of the GREATEST men we have ever met
We wish to extend our most heartfelt sympathies to all of you during this painful loss. Please know that you will be in our hearts and prayers throughout the coming days.
Rock was a very special man to all he encountered and we will miss him deeply.
Love Walt, Moe & Family
Dear Family, Our deepest sympathy for your loss. I knew Rock only through his father’s eyes and words. Rock’s dad lives next door to my mother. Only God above can understand the grief of this loss. We can but try…
Dear Hollie:
I was shocked when Laurie told me the terrible news on Tuesday. Suzette and I know that there is nothing we can say at this point to give you much comfort, but please know that all of us here are thinking about you. We hope that the thoughts and prayers of your many friends will be of some help at this incredibly difficult time.
For the family,
Although I did not personally know Rock I, as a former Navy SEAL, certainly heard his name mentioned many times. I know he was a great guy and will be missed by not only the whole community but all who ever met him.
For the family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of a fine son, brother, husband and father.
GOD be with the Blais family
Holli: With all my love. You are in my thoughts.
Hollie,
Although we only met briefly once, my deepest sympathies are with you and your family. This is such a tragic situation for anyone to endure, and I want you to know that my prayers and thoughts are with you and know that keeping your faith in God, and accepting the love and support of your family and friends will see you through this terrible time of sorrow.
Sherry Richardson
Friend and Former Worker of Furniss, Davis, Rashkind and Saunders
Hollie,
I wish there was something I could say to help you through this loss. Please just know that you are in my thoughts and in my prayers. Rock was a good man and will be missed by many. May God Bless you and give you strength.
Hollie: I cannot imagine what you are going through right now. I love you and will miss Rock forever!! What a special twosome you two made!! Where there was Rock, there was Hollie and where there was Hollie, there was Rock. He was meant to be your ROCK OF LIFE! Thanks Hollie for bringing Rock into my life! What a SPECIAL PERSON. I’m going to miss you Rock:
Hollie: I just moved back from Calif. I used to work at Newton’s. My heartfelt sympathy at your losses. I cannot tell you how my heart breaks for you. If you need to talk, call 855-6349. I am here for you.
Carole
Hollie: You know how much we love you and Rock. His loss leaves such a big hole. You will both forever be in our minds and hearts. Love P
I am hardly ever at a loss for words, but they escape me now. Just remember we think the world of you and will be remembering you in our prayers.
I am signing this memorial guestbook for HMCRet E. Riojas, friend and shipmate of Commander Blais father, retired Master Chief Blais. HMC Riojas is unable to attend from his home in Texas, and wishes to pass on his deepest condolences to the entire Blais family, and they will continue to be in his prayers.
I am terribly saddened by Rock’s passing. My sincerest condolences to the entire Blais Family.
I remember Rock as a youngster once paddling down a rain-swollen creek with his father’s wetsuit. I knew he was going to be a SEAL like his Dad one day, and I was so proud to have been stationed in San Diego while he completed BUDS, and attended his graduation.
I will miss Rock, this country has lost a great American.
Mike Lawless
I have only the fondest memories of Rock and the friendship and leadership he provided to all whom he met.
V/R
Scott W. Normandin
I knew Rock only briefly in the late 80’s, but obviously he made a lasting impression. I recently learned of his passing and send my deepest condolences to his family. I only wish I knew him better, but am somewhat heartened to know that he is somewhere looking over all of us.
I never met him, but Rock’s reputation was one all SEALs hope to someday achieve. We’ll all see him again someday. God bless the Blais family. John 3:16
I was stationed with Mr. Blais at SDV Team TWO and I really enjoyed talking with him whenever I had the chance because he was so nice and considerate and down to earth. He really loved what he did. May the Lord comfort the family at this time.
YNCSW/AW Rhonda Moore
I WENT TO BAYSIDE HIGH SCHOOL WITH ROCK AND ALWAYS KNEW THAT HE WOULD SUCCEED IN LIFE. HE WAS A VERY NICE GUY AND I’M GLAD THAT I KNEW HIM. I WISH HIS FAMILY WELL AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME.
It has taken me over 10 years and a few months to sign this guestbook. I would like to take this belated opportunity to thank everyone signed the guestbook, those who took the time to write wonderful words about my father. The family has and always will appreciate the fact that you took the time to do so. My father was a wonderful man, and even though I do not remember all the times we had together, the ones that I do recall will be engraved in my memory forever.
Thank You Again,
Kathryn C. Blais 08/30/2001
“Love You to the Moon Pops!”
May God rest his soul
May hold hold you in his hands and bless you during your time of sorrow.
Jim & Kate
Molded by the best, Tempered at the best, Favored by all the rest. A steadfast star for others to guide by.
Off to other places in space and time. Forever there for all to find. It won’t be as hard as it may seem, Rock will be there, leading the team.
My Dad, my Dad, I loved him so
Where is he? Where did he go?
I know he is looking down
Iíll keep my chin up without a frown.
I didnít want my Dad to leave
I was not ready to say goodbye
In my eyes I see him wave,
His smiling face to say so long,
Iím gone but Iíll always be in your heart forever
Iíll look down on you and I will protect you.
I wanted to tell my Dad good bye
But I just cried, weeping with sadness
With no smile on my face.
I wish I could tell him that I loved him with all my heart.
But since we had to part, I can not.
Now I write this poem tonight with no fright
Because my Dad is protecting me from Heaven.
My Dad, my Dad, I loved him so
Where is he? Where did he go?
I know he is looking down,
Iíll keep my chin up without a frown.
I didnít want my Dad to leave
I was not ready to say goodbye
In my eyes I see him wave,
his smiling face to say so long,
Iím gone but Iíll always be in your heart forever
Iíll look down on you and I will protect you.
I wanted to tell my Dad good bye,
but I just cried, weeping with sadness
With no smile on my face.
I wish I could tell him that I loved him with all my heart.
But since we had to part, I can not.
Now I write this poem tonight with no fright
because my Dad is protecting me from Heaven.
Kathryn Blais age 10
1/16/02
My fondest memories of Rock were of him teaching me about football when we were little kids and more recently, the summers we spent on Virginia beach together with our own kids. I was also proud to have him read a passage at my wedding. Rock had the admirable combination of strength and heart. I loved my cousin and will miss him but great memories of him will linger forever.
My prayers are with you during this time of grief. Now Rock will watch over us from above.
Only the good die young, Doc
Our deepest sympathy to Hollie and the family during your time of sorrow. We know that there are no words that we can offer you to erase the pain, but know that God is with you and will give you strength. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rock – it was great watching you grow into a fine young man – you left this life too early – my prayers are with you and your family
Rock and I had geometry together in 1977-8 at Bayside High School. The last time I saw Rock was at lunch two years ago at the 19th Hole at Little Creek. It was good to see him again after over 20 years. As a chaplain candidate, I was receiving on-the-job training at Little Creek at that time. I am sorry to hear of his death and will keep his family in my prayers.
Rock and I were roomates in Va Beach in 85-87 and it is heartbreaking to hear of his loss. Rock was sincerely one of the best people I have ever had the honor to know in my life, we had some great times and fun together and my deepest condolences to his wife, child and family. He is missed. Alan Page apage53915@aol.com
Rock Blais was a warrior and the epitome of what a SEAL officer should be. I deployed with Rock and had the utmost confidence in his leadership. He wouldn’t ask someone to do anything he wouldn’t do himself.
My heart goes out to all those he left behind.
He will truly be missed.
Alan Seitz
Rock Blais was one of the finest men that I have ever known. I proudly served under him in ST-2 Hotel platoon. He is the most honorable example of what is best in SEAL Teams, the Navy and being a man. I wish to express my deepest condolences to his family.
Rock lives on. As the current OIC of the SOCOM Jump Team, we often talk about Rock and miss him on every jump we do. The world is less of a place without you brother.
blue skies
Rock loved to tell stories about the humorous escapades while serving in the SEAL team. He also spoke frequently of his love for his family. His father was his proud peer who he could tease about physical strength competitivly. He would say how he loved to cut his fathers grass just to say thanks for all the work his father had done for him. When he spoke on the phone to his sister he would say “OK Sis, I love you, gotta go”. He looked forward to every chance he had to see his children who moved to New York. Rock was a big hearted man. He will be Missed.
Rock was 6 years old when his father and I were in Nam together, we missed his memorial in Tampa, 9-11-01. I was absoulutely sickened by his passing. Our hearts are heavy for his entire family, God Bless you Rock, as “Doc Clark said, “Only the good die young!” David and Bill Sutherland
Rock was a friend and leader. He took over my last platoon ST-2, Bravo one month before the end of the cruise.
He was an enlisted man’s officer, knew how to get things done and how to lead, but more imprtantly how to make the men believe that he had our best interests and welfare at heart.
He was one of us. He will be missed.