Chris Blake truly was larger than life. Any person that knew him can attest to that. Every aspect of his life was performed at full throttle.
This began with the unconditional love he had for his family. Everything he did in life stemmed from his devotion to loved ones. He married the love of his life, Amanda Blake, in 1984 and began an incredible 29-year journey. Chris is also survived by his four children -- Heidi, Matt, Joe and Miranda.
Throughout his life, Chris approached everything he did with an all or nothing mentality. His philosophy was consistent with "anything worth doing is worth overdoing." This was clear with his devotion to coaching youth hockey, passion for hunting and fishing, and his professional life. Chris was the fearless leader and CEO of Idaho Asphalt Supply, Inc. His high moral standards, intelligence, and ability to create long-lasting, loyal relationships were vital in the success of the business. The road to his success was paved through constant hard work both in the office and classroom. In academia, he earned his MBA at Idaho State University after wrestling for four years while completing his undergraduate degree.
Outside of the office, Chris was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to spend time in the outdoors with his wife, kids and close friends. In the ice arena, he used his fierce and passionate persona to coach and shape young developing players. Chris' coaching style not only instilled hard work into his players, but it helped mold their character into outstanding young individuals outside of the rink. If you ever run into a player that he coached, you will likely be engaging with a respectful and honest individual.
On Tuesday, October 29th, 2013, Chris unexpectedly passed away in his home from heart failure. For those that knew Chris, this was a tragic event. He recently overcame all odds and demonstrated extraordinary resilience after surviving a life-threatening injury. He defied death and started a new life path of unconditional love and happiness with his wife, Amanda. He would say, "I've got a new lease on life." With that, he truly understood the meaning of being with those that were dear to him. Unfortunately, this tragedy rendered that short lived.
Those that were fortunate enough to know him will dearly miss him. He had a positive impact on everyone he encountered. His spirit will live on through his wife, children and friends. His infectious attitude will be passed on for generations to come. He truly was a great man.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 237 N. Water in Idaho Falls, with pastor Brenda Sene officiating. Services are under the direction of Buck-Miller-Hann Funeral Home in Idaho Falls.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.buckmillerhann.com.
Family Tribute
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Linda Proctor
October 28, 2021
Another year, Mandy, without Chris...hope you are doing well. Miss your face.
Linda Proctor
October 28, 2020
Mandy and family,
Another year... hard to believe it has been 7 years since we lost Chris. I hope you are all doing well. His memory will live on and on.
I miss seeing your sweet face, Mandy
Love ya and miss ya. Linda.
Wenda Stoker
November 24, 2013
My thoughts are with you Mandy. I am so sorry you are hurting and have to endure this pain. Sending you my best and my love.
Kimberly Boyd
November 8, 2013
To the Stone and Blake families,
I met Chris when we were students at ISU, when he and Mandy started dating. He was the upperclassman student-athlete, who had laser focus on his future obtaining multiple degrees for a career in international business. His employees attest to his business acumen.
When my mom passed away my first year of college, I doubted my ability to stay in school. Chris gave me the first of many inspirational speeches I would hear over the years. "Buffy, life is hard. Finish what you started."
Our kids are lucky to have spent so many years with Chris as their hockey coach. He showed them their potential from hard work in anything they attempt, and reminded them to have fun doing it.
So many positive memories from a man who spent a lifetime giving to others.
Kim Boyd
November 6, 2013
god bless you all after what you went though earler this year what a strong person. i just found ou t about his death 2 hrs ago i certainly would have been there i wasd out of town my thoughts are with the family. will miss him but rember the great memories love jeannie neidner and ralph harman.
Paul Baxter
November 6, 2013
Chris was an Awesome man who loved hia family and life to the fullest. Sincerest condolences to Amanda and the kids
November 6, 2013
Dear Mandy and Family,
I am truly saddened to hear of Chris' passing. As I knew him, a passion for life in all that he did and with a great sense of humor and humanity in all that he did. As a committed professional and business associate he stood by me and delivered a very technical talk about asphalt when I was unable to do it. Mandy, Matt, Joseph, Miranda and the Stone Family,
our sincerest and heartfelt condolences.
Delmar and Dora Salomon
November 6, 2013
God Bless you Chris you enlightened many, and God please bless and give hope to the loved ones he left behind kathryn musselman
November 6, 2013
Mandy and family so deeply sad to hear of Chris leaving you all and our world. Alex and I know how truly devastating this experience is we are so sorry for your loss. Chris was an awesome hubby, dad, friend, coach, person may God give you peace of mind somehow for this horrific loss. love Kathy/Alex Musselman
Jeff and Jan Lang
November 5, 2013
Chris Blake had a most positive influence on the life of our son, Brady. We fondly remember Chris as a fair and honest coach for the boys' hockey teams. Our most sincere sympathy goes to the Blake family.
November 5, 2013
Was so heartbreaking to hear of the news of this awesome, friendly, competitive, spirited ice hockey dad!!! But he is up there with the great ones!! Am so lucky to have known Chris while growing up playing hockey with his son Matt Blake, he was an awesome hockey player! I was never super close to the guys, as I am a woman but he was always so encouraging for woman and all kids in general to play hockey!!! I feel so blessed and lucky to have known him! To his wife, remember the good times and I know he wouldn't want you to cry forever about, but instead rejoice him, you will be in my prayers lady!!!
Cheers,
Julie, John, and Justin Edwards
Nik Rule
November 5, 2013
Chris was by far the most influential hockey coach I had the opportunity to play for. He was so loyal, so fair, and so determined to make a difference... And a difference he did make in the lives of countless young men and women in the area.
Chris also had the unique ability to make everyone feel like they could take on the world. No matter ones skill level on the ice, he always made us feel like we could accomplish anything we put our mind too.
The last time I saw Chris was December 30, 2012. He was checking in his mother at the Idaho Falls Airport and she happened to be on my flight. We had a nice conversation, a conversation I will value the rest of my life.
Thank you Chris for being a great coach and mentor. Your impact will live on forever.
Rest in Peace Coach.
Lauri Kyle
November 5, 2013
Mandy, I am so very sorry for you and your children for the sadness you are going through. When you and Chris would come to the crown, it was always a lot of fun! I am glad to have known him, and you (Mandy) will always be a special person to me. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless, Lauri Kyle
Ralph Shirts
November 5, 2013
Mandy and kids:
Our thoughts and prayers are with with the Blake family. Chris was a one of a kind. I'm so glad I was able to visit with him this past July and see his spirit and determination as he continued to recover from his accident. What an inspiration. I can truly say that doing business with Chris over the years was always absolutely professional and fun at the same time! I will miss him. My wife Sandi, our children Kristi and Gordon and I all remember a dinner that our two families shared in Idaho Falls when our kids were young. They join with me in sending our deepest sympathy. - Ralph Shirts
Mary Blake
November 4, 2013
I remember meeting Chris in Las Vegas for a wrestling competition. He was charming, enthusiastic and driven. Even then. When he brought Mandy to meet us we were honored and knew they were the perfect match. Over the years their family became ours and we bragged on them, looked forward to their visits and enjoyed great times at the Blake home. Each visit was an adventure and we loved them all. Mandy, Matt, Joseph and Miranda I love you with the fierce love Chris gave to me. I was so blessed to know Chris and I will miss my amazing nephew forever. Aunt Mary
Mary McCowin
November 4, 2013
Mandy-Chris was one of a kind. What a gentle bear of a man he was. I will never forget the site of him bench pressing Matt Morgan in Lake Powell. May God grant you solace. Mary and Phil
Greg Hackett
November 4, 2013
Mandy & Kids... Our souls are heavy with the loss of Chris. I find myself lucky - and my children too - for having Chris as a great friend. His zeal for life and his laugh were equally infectious. Chris will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts. Our prayers are with you all. Hold dear the memories of great man, as I am sure all of us who counted Chris as a friend will as well.
Greg, Geoff, Kyle, Kelsey and Travis Hackett
Brandi Onken
November 4, 2013
I have great memories of babysitting for Chris and Mandy. Such nice people. Had so much fun with the kids. You guys are all in my prayers. Love, Brandi (Hagen) Onken
Mark & Kathy Lewis
November 4, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to Chris' entire family. We were blessed to have met Chris & Mandy while Joe played hockey in our town. Chris welcomed us as immediate friends, and the feeling was mutual with us. God bless you, Chris, and may his love embrace your family.
Mike Howard
November 4, 2013
First impressions are everything as they say....Chris left his impression with me a few years ago on a hunt. I was impressed at the lengths he went to so as to see his son play hockey via internet. Always impressed with Chris, his passion for his family and business. A life very well lived and heartfelt condolences to his family/friends,
Jean Hersley
November 4, 2013
So shocked and saddened to hear of Chris' passing. We will miss him and his infectious smile. Love to the entire Blake family.
The Hersley Family: Chad, Jean, Nathan, Tasha, Ryan and Olivia
Phyllis Ker
November 4, 2013
Dear Mandy and kids. I was so sorry to read of Chris' passing. Even though we haven't visited in years, I often think of our fun days at channel 8 and remember vividly meeting Chris the first time. What a great couple you made and I can only hope that you find peace during this difficult time. All who have met you two through the years are still your loyal friends and I as one of them offer you now any help you may need . So sorry Mandy, Love,Phyllis
Karrie WACKERLI
November 3, 2013
Our hearts are braking hearing about Chris....we are praying for Mandy & the kids & the rest of his loved ones.
My kids had Chris as a hockey coach & were friends off the Ice. I have no doubt my boys lives, the men they have become, Chris had a hand in that & I'm truly Greatful he did!
Mandy I Love you, kids we love you. We are here for all of you if you need anything.
God Bless you All
Todd, Karrie
Jarrett Wackerli
Rule family
November 3, 2013
Chris Blake, A good soul gone way to soon. The Hockey gods now have one of the games most passionate supporters.
Tyler Larson
November 3, 2013
So sorry to hear about this. Coach Blake coached me on the offensive line when I was in 5th and 6th grade. He was one of the greats and always treated me with respect. He was a great guy. My condolences to you and your family Matt.
Kelly Merrell
November 3, 2013
Loves from the Merrells.
Linda Proctor
November 3, 2013
Mandy and family,
I was so shocked and saddened by the news of Chris' death. What a tragic loss to all who know him. My heart is breaking for you, Mandy and your beautiful family.
Ray and I want to express our love and sympathy to all of you at this difficult time. May you find peace, calm, strength, hope, and courage to carry on and adjust to your loss. You will hold Chris in your hearts forever.
Love you, Linda and Ray Proctor
Kyle and Roni Searle
November 3, 2013
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you. Chris will be greatly missed by everyone that had the pleasure to meet him. God Bless your family and help you through this sad time.
Liz Compton-Smith
November 3, 2013
Mandy, Heidi, Matt, Joe, Miranda and the rest of Chris' Family -
The world lost an amazing man with Chris' passing.
I have so many fond memories of him!
May your memories and love of Chris get you through this difficult time.
Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Liz
Rocky Arn
November 3, 2013
Blake family
I am truly sorry for your loss. I was privileged to get to know Chris the past several years at the Flying B Ranch and witness his amazing passion for life. Please know you are in my prayers.
Daralee Beck
November 3, 2013
To the Blake and Stone families: we are sorry for your loss! Chris was a wonderful friend, he always made us feel like family. A lot of good
memories ! Deepest sympathies from the Beck's; Kent, Dara and Cory
Richard & Dez Anderson
November 3, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mandy and the kids. We loved the funs times we had. This man will be dearly missed by many. We felt it a privilege to know him. God speed Chris, you will always be in our hearts.
Jared Emfield (& family)
November 3, 2013
Chris,
I will miss our conversations and your friendship. Thank you for all you taught me about life, family, and love. I will pass it on. May God bless you and care for your family until we all meet again.
Jared
Tom Byrnes
November 3, 2013
Chris Blake Family: I was saddened at the passing of Chris. I got know Chris through hockey and other social events. He was a great guy. My sincerest condolences for your loss, Tom Byrnes
Matt VanOrden Family
November 3, 2013
My dear friend, I will miss you. My compassion, condolences, and sympathy go towards those he loves!
GARY & JAN HEISER
November 3, 2013
HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO AMANDA AND FAMILY.
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
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