While I did not know Blake on a personal level, I have been in his presence quite a few times, usually in the elevators. We all know what a great business man he was, but to have that combined with a warm and friendly personality is almost unheard of. Every single time I saw him,...

Kathryn Bush

I returned from Bereavement Leave on Thursday 12/12 after losing my mother, a former Nordstrom employee, to ovarian cancer. On that day, I read Blake’s update about his diagnosis and shot off a response with words of encouragement and well wishes. Blake responded to me shortly there after and said that his Mother-in-law had passed...

Devin Tonseth

I didn’t know Blake personally, but I often saw him at the e-bar in the morning. One of the things that always stood out to me is how well he treated everyone who worked there. I always thought it was a reflection of great parenting and being part of a kind family with exceptional values....

I’ve never heard so many heart warming stories like I have about Blake! He had a heart of gold that was so apparent & he touched so many people. I will always treasure listening to him speak when he was here in our credit office in Santa Ana, Ca. He was so kind to let...

Andrea Djafri

Over 11 years ago, I was a new salesperson at the Southcenter Store 5 Store. I was taking college classes and received an ethics project that had very loose perimeters. Already enamored with our company, I asked my store manager if there was anyone I could “interview” about our ethics to base my project on....

Sarah Gulhaugen

My deepest condolences to the Nordstrom family. Blake was an exceptional man and leader who inspired you to always give the best you had with a smiling face. Here is a small poem that I would like to share in remembrance of Blake. The man is a success who leaves the world better than he...

Tonia Wharton

To the entire family, I am so sorry for your loss of your son, brother, cousin, mentor and friend. An inspiration to us all and we will do our best to keep his spirit alive while taking care of our customers and each other.

Allison Sylvester

A true servant leader is always a servant and sometimes a servant leader. Leadership positions can be given or taken away, but the servant leader remains a servant at heart. I had the pleasure of meeting Blake several times, but I will never forget the first time in 2008. We had a great chat he...

Jeffrey Munson

I was a brand new sales associate at the Park Meadows store and BLAKE WAS COMING! to our store. After speaking, he opened the floor to questions. I gathered my courage and asked a question (hoping it wasn’t stupid!) He said, I’m not sure, but I will get back to you.’ I thought nothing more...

Micki Kulpan

Store 135 was blessed with a visit from Blake. He was so warn and approachable. Our hearts are broken and we feel a deep void in his absence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Nordstrom family. With this being a brand new year, we have found that our team members have taken this...

Sending prayers to Blake’s family during this extremely difficult time. Blake was a phenomenal leader who positively impacted countless people in his life. As one of those people, I can think of several interactions where I left humbled and inspired. May Blake’s warmth and passion for the customer live on in all that we do....

The week that Blake sent out that he was diagnosed with lymphoma and would be starting his treatment, my husband began his own radiation treatment for lymphoma (he had been diagnosed on October 8th). I wrote Mr. Nordstrom a simple email back sending my thoughts and prayers to him and his family. Not thinking he...

We will miss you Blake! It’s because of you and your family, that we are a loyal Nordy family. I met my husband here, my son grew up as a Nordy kid and he now works here. When I was sick with BC, Blake and the family sent me flowers and well wishes. I will...

My sincere condolences to the Nordstrom family . I had the pleasure of meeting Blake here in our call center 10 31 18.He came around pushing the candy cart,took photos and shared hugs.He was an amazing boss.He wil be missed. We all suffered a great loss today…Meg Flateau

Sending heartfelt condolences to Blake’s family. Blake had a way of making you feel like you were truly part of The Nordstrom family. The loss we all feel is a true testament to the man who was the heart of this company. We will honor his memory by continuing to take care of the customer,...

So heartbroken to hear of Blake’s passing… Every time our paths crossed I left with something more… more patience, more understanding, more pride in what was possible…. but always something more. A true leader that inspired us all to be our best. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to the Nordstrom family...

I have had the privilege of meeting Blake on numerous occasions! He was such a motivational speaker and great leader. I have been with Nordstrom for over 20 years and one of the reasons I have been here so long is because of the leadership team of all the Nordstrom brothers. Truly a loss! My...

Sincerest condolences to the Nordstrom family. I’ll remember Blake for making me feel unexpectedly honored. It was November 2005, and the NorthPark store in Dallas (#723) was staging its pre-opening festivities. As I tidied and straightened in Women’s Shoes, Blake approached me, introduced himself, and asked if I needed help. I responded that I was...