It is with broken hearts that we announce the death of Blake Field in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit of the Vancouver General Hospital on the 19th of August at the young age of 54. Blake entered eternal rest surrounded by the love of his mother, his sister, and his good friend. Left to mourn his passing but to celebrate his life are his proud, loving, and devoted mother, Beverley Brazeau (Hubie) of Sault Ste Marie, his deeply loved and loving sister and confidante, Leslie-Jo Field (Fred Risbey) of Coquitlam, B.C., his adored and adoring nephews Landon and Kaelin who affectionately called him “Tio” as a tribute to the years he spent in Spain, and his true and loyal friend, Adelrick Peppin of New Westminster, B.C. Blake was the beloved son of the late Les Field. Blake was the cherished grandson of the late Lois and Fred Thomson of Timmins, Ontario and the late Lillian and Ivan Field of Englehart, Ontario. He will be missed by his aunt, Heather Laverdiere (Paul) and uncle, Fred Thomson of Timmins and his aunts Doris Beatty, Eva Field, Ruth Black, Esther Cottrill and Lois Croisier of the Englehart area. He was the stepbrother of Debbie Sims (Barry), Bev Brazeau, Greg Brazeau (Shaynee) and Alyson Harten (Dean), Uncle Blake to six nieces and nephews and four great nieces and had many cousins.
Following graduation from the University of Toronto, Blake spent one year in London, England and five years in Barcelona, Spain working, studying ( ESL, MBA ) and exploring Europe before returning to Canada to live in Vancouver where he taught ESL, opened a delightful bistro (Blake’s on Carroll) and became the organist and choir director at Langley United Church. Blake was a talented pianist and vocalist and music in many forms was a large part of his life. Blake answered the call God had put into his heart at an early age and studied at the Vancouver School of Theology seminary at UBC. He was ordained to Wilson Heights United Church in Vancouver. His deep faith strengthened and sustained him throughout his life. Blake was accomplished in academia, business, music, and “humanity” and lived his faith. Blake had a great zest for life and lived his “bucket list” as he traveled the world exploring at least 44 countries. As he travelled, he focused on the “real” people of the countries although he also visited the sights. He was conscious of the privilege so many of us possess and he performed many acts of kindness for the underprivileged he encountered in his travels. The tributes arriving from around the world are filled with words such as compassion, integrity, bravery, determination, positivity, intelligence, loyalty, inclusivity. Blake also possessed a rare and witty sense of humour as those who knew him could attest.
Blake encouraged us in faith and made the world a better place. May his memory stay with us as a blessing and his music sing in our hearts. A kind act to an underprivileged person would honour Blake’s memory. A celebration of Blake’s life will be announced later. An online tribute version will be available on YouTube. Donations in his memory may be made to Willowgrove United Church of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario or the B.C. Cancer Foundation where a tribute page will be available. Cheques can be mailed to B.C. Cancer Foundation at 150-686 West Broadway, Vancouver V5Z 1G1 or phoned in to 1-604-877-6040.