Christopher Marshall Blake, September 24, 1964–October 29, 2014. Son of Shirley Turner and Thomas Blake. Proud father to C.C. Isabelle and Sophie Avalon Blake. Devoted brother to Larry and Matt Blake and Mike and Mark Lambourne.
Chris grew up in Windsor, Maine, a place he loved for his entire life. After attending Kent’s Hill School, he found his way to the University of Arizona in Tucson where he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology. He went on to earn a master’s degree in educational and counseling psychology from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Chris moved to St. Louis where he married Charlene Buckley, his wife for 20 years and the mother of his two children.
Chris spent much of his life helping forgotten youth in the community build a better future. Over the years, he held a variety of leadership roles in the nonprofit community. He was most proud of his service as the executive director for St. Vincent’s Home for Children and Father Dunne’s Newsboys Home and Protectorate. He was always able to make a connection with even the most troubled kids, helping them find the best in themselves.
Chris was an immensely determined person who conquered many challenges in his life. He overcame a near fatal rappelling accident, proving wrong the doctors who first thought he might not survive and then doubted he would walk again. Chris had a love for games and competition—he was a real risk-taker who never missed a chance for an adrenaline rush. He could fix almost anything and enjoyed tinkering with any and all gadgets. After 28 years in Missouri, he never lost his love for lobster rolls and salt ‘n vinegar chips, two Maine specialities. Some of Chris’ favorite things included Monty Python, video games, model rocketry, sci-fi movies and books (especially Star Trek), Bruce Lee movies, the Grateful Dead, and his motorcycle. But above all else, he adored his daughters. They were, truly, the light of his life.
A memorial gathering will be held in St. Louis on Tuesday, November 11, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Bud's Smokehouse, 1135 South Big Bend Blvd.
Memories are healing and if you have any photos, stories, or words to share with us on this site, we would appreciate that gift in honoring him.
A fund has been established to provide for Chris’ two children, Isabelle, 13, and Sophie, 11. If you would like to contribute to the fund, you may send it to Isabelle and Sophie Fund, c/o Deb Mueller, 9912 Chiles Ct., 63126 or through PayPal by clicking on the donation button below:
I'm not sure how many left but we workin on it Sir! Good bless your soul and give rest of us patience.
Rock On!
My first memorory of Chris was at the ECHO Home in North St. Louis. Chris worked there and I sold them their cleaning supplies. Chris told me that he was raised in Maine but that he just loved pork chops...yeah, weird, huh?! So I told him that I thought he could find a good one at Biggie's on Watson. He did and was sure to tell me how much he appreciated both the recommendation and the pork chop.
We went our separate ways and caught up years later when Chris was the director at the St. Vincents Home. He was there, by himself, at the service for Cy Furher, the long-time board director for the home. We met up over lunch shortly after and it was like no time had ever passed. He was the same guy.
I caught up with him again about five or six years ago in Belleville. We went to what was obviously his favortie lunch spot because everyone there knew him and said "hi". But then, I imagine there was more than one place like this...
Godspeed, Chris, until we meet again!
Always up for an activity, Chris applies a base coat to a flamingo before flecking/flocking it. Photo circa early 90s.
