Chris Blake, 52

Wilson Christopher Blake “Chris,” 52, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, unexpectedly passed away in his home from heart failure on October 29, 2013.

Chris was born on March 22, 1961 in Oakland, California to Wilson Blake and Julie Smith Blake. He spent his teenage years in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and attended Coeur d’Alene High School. He graduated from Idaho State University, where he was Big Sky wrestling champion. He later received an MBA from ISU.

Chris married his college sweetheart, Amanda Blake, in 1984 and began an incredible 29-year journey. Throughout his life Chris approached everything 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 started his career with Idaho Asphalt Supply, Inc. in Idaho Falls, and eventually became it's CEO. His high moral standards, intelligence, and ability to create long lasting loyal relationships, along with hard work, were vital in the expansion and the success of the business.

Chris recently overcame all odds and demonstrated extraordinary resilience after surviving a life threatening snowmobile accident last New Year's Eve. 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," and 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 and infectious attitude will live on through his wife, children, family, and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Amanda Stone Blake, and his four children Heidi, Matt, Joe and Miranda; his parents, Julie Blake, Wilson and Judi Blake; his siblings: Jodi Rape, Kira Bird, Reyla Zumhofe, Ann Wasserman, Tesa Gagliardi, and Hilary Hamilton; his aunts and uncles: Don and Mary Blake, Clark Blake, Carla Gribi, Hal Smith, and over 20 nieces and nephews, as well as his granddaughter Audrey. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and brother, John Rape.