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Blake E. Biggerstaff

1976 - 2020

BORN

1976

DIED

2020

About

Mount Carmel High School Columbia College Chicago

Blake Biggerstaff Obituary

Blake Edward Biggerstaff, 44, of Chicago passed away suddenly November 6, 2020. Blake is preceded in death by his father, Dennis. He is survived by his mother, Ann-Marie Biggerstaff and sisters, Hope Biggerstaff (Guy Crundwell), Blythe Girnus (Andrew), nephews, Hugh and Nigel Crundwell and nieces, Keira and Julianne Girnus. Blake took pride in attending Mount Carmel High School and Columbia College. He enjoyed traveling, immersing himself in new cultures and was passionate in his work on Chicago's Studebaker Theater, Fine Arts and Flat Iron Buildings. His dedication to the arts, his tenants and coworkers was inspirational and admired by all who knew him. Blake was instrumental in receiving Chicago Landmarks Commission's Preservation Excellence award for the Flat Iron Building. His perseverance and commitment to this project elevated the building into even higher prominence in the Chicago area. He was with Berger Realty Group for 17 years. Donations in Blake's memory can be awarded in his honor through Scholarship Columbia: http://giving.colum.edu/givenow. A celebration of Blake's life will be announced at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Nov. 24, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Blake Biggerstaff

19 Entries

larry k snider

November 18, 2024

Deeply missed at the Fine Arts Building by all were there when he was the manager. A great guy!!@!@

Patti Hansen

November 18, 2022

I have great memories and fondness of you, I think of you often Blake, Rest In Peace.

Brad Hart

April 4, 2021

Wow, Blake, ... I am overwhelmed with sadness. I may have started out as one of your vendors, but we became friends over the years. You, me and ZeeBee hanging out for drinks, cigars, philosophy and even some politics on a Friday night...those were the best. I miss those times. You were a scholar and a gentleman in all things. I can truly say you left me with a huge "Blake" sized hole in my heart. If love gives you wings, I know you are among the angels flying around the universe still being a blessing to others. I miss you bro...

Craig Goode

February 13, 2021

I worked with Blake as an in house attorney for the Berger companies and shared office space with him for years.

We grew very close, and spent countless hours talking and laughing. Boating on Lake Michigan. Drinking beer and playing pool.

I have never known a kinder, gentler, more genuine guy.

I will always treasure our friendship and the memories we made.

Rest in peace buddy.

Maria Mitchell

February 11, 2021

Aunt Irene and I are so very sad Blake... Thank you for being our friend and we will always appreciate your kindness. Your family´s strength is in our prayers... May you Rest In Peace... Most Sincerely, Maria

Christina Murphy

December 22, 2020

I am an Artist at the Flat Iron Building for over 10 years. Having Blake as the manager was really great! He was always there to work out any issues that may accure. He was light hearted, kind, fair, & always had a smile on his face. He was engaging & always had time to talk.... whether it be business or personal. My heart broke when I heard the sad news. God & all your loved ones are with you Blake in Paradise. I am blessed & honored to have known you!!

Lou Ann Burkhardt & Lucinda Hammond

Planted Trees

Kimberly Kwan

December 1, 2020

Blake was a dear colleague of mine from 2015-2019. I was saddened to leave the Fine Arts Building and more deeply saddened once I heard of his passing. He was probably the best boss I ever had. He was funny, charismatic, caring, and an overall great person. I will cherish the fun nights, great meals, and conversations we had. Rest in Peace Blake.

Steve Harris

November 25, 2020

Dear Blake,

We will remember you fondly and, offer our sincere condolences to your family that sadly will not have you with them this, and future holiday seasons.

As tenants in the Flatiron Bldg since 2006, you can bet we know how hard you worked to keep a safe and professional roof over our businesses. If being the 'Captain' of this ship wasn't a major feat alone, toss in the Fine Arts Bldg to boot. Remembering visits downtown for meetings at your office was always a pleasure. Your good nature was infectious and, it trickles down from the top. Your team was and is always friendly and responsive as a tribute to their leader. Walking your halls was like being with a beloved Mayor as everyone acknowledged you and expressed niceties, even up and down those infamous elevators.

We felt that you took the Flat Iron Bldg reputation personal. You preached diversity, embraced art and free spiritism before it was 'front page'. Its was our pleasure to look up to you, respect your opinion and hopefully make you as proud of us as we were of you...

Steve Harris
Debonair & Dorian's Team

Richard Laurent,

November 25, 2020

I've been in the Fine Arts Building since 2004. Blake was a friend and colleague who was by far the best manager we ever had. He did me a favor recently for which I am grateful indeed. We'll miss you, Blake.

Richard Laurent,

November 25, 2020

Martha Swisher

November 25, 2020

The Fine Arts Building has lost its treasured advocate. Blake will be missed by the entire FAB tenant family. I send heartfelt condolences to his family. —-Holding you all in my heart.

Larry K Snider

November 24, 2020

I have been a tenant in the Fine Arts Building for 17 or 18 years. Blake did more than anyone in the past to increase the comfort of the tenants and more to improve the building than anyone in the past and more than anyone expected. He was always happy and looking out at how he could improve our lives. We talked 1 time about my numerous trips to Tibet and how he wanted to go there and see it. When I got the notice of his death, I was about to ask him if he wanted to go with me since we had previously talked about it since I am of the age where my wife does not think I should be going alone anymore. He was fair minded and a treasure who will be missed by all in the FAB and others who knew him well.

tracee badway

November 24, 2020

Maria Lagios

November 24, 2020

Such sad news! I remember Blake as a caring professional who reached out with personal and sensitive enthusiasm. May his memory be eternal.

Patti Hansen

November 24, 2020

Blake, you will be missed. Your charm, gentle, generous nature has always stood out in my mind. I also thought you were handsome, not only by your looks but who you are. RIP

Hal Scheffers

November 24, 2020

Blake was an absolutely wonderful person and I am happy to have had the pleasure of knowing him in even a small way. His helpfulness and consideration was never more evident as he helped us navigate our change of office spaces a few years ago in the Fine Arts Building. His easygoing demeanor and presence was always on display and appreciated. He was taken too soon and will be missed.

Nora Williams

November 24, 2020

What a loss!! I worked with Blake in the Fine Arts Building in the early days of webcasting in 2007-9. We had a zany time coming up with musically-related subject matter and interesting guests. I will miss his easygoing presence and deep love for the arts, music, and artists and musicians of all flavors in the beautiful buildings he managed. Godspeed, Blake. May there be incredible shows, beauty and harmony where you are now.

scott lindsey

November 24, 2020

rest in peace awesome guy

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results