Obituary of Blake Rooks

A colossal force in every sense of the word, Blake left this world peacefully at home on May 7th, 2019. Blake is survived and deeply missed by his family; Nikki and their four children, the shining lights of his life: Michael, Katie (Rob), Julia (Mitch) and Chrissie (Scott) along with his two grandchildren Maria & Burton and his sisters Jan (Morgan, Meghan & Dawson), Jessica, BJ and Nina (Craig). During his last years, faced with weakening health, Blake was supported by a strong community in Rosthern & Saskatoon- you all kept his tummy full and his spirits high, his children are forever grateful to each and every one of you. In addition, to the nurses and his friends at the renal dialysis unit who brought so much joy to such a challenging burden, thank you for all your extra TLC. Blake was born in London and spent his childhood in both Canada and England. With a strong British accent, he loved shocking people by stating he was Canadian. Raised by his Mother and the older brother to three sisters, he was a feminist from day one, so it’s no surprise his daughters became the fierce, independent women they are today. Blake’s path was never a straight one and his curiosity to explore the world took him through over 50 countries, hitchhiking and later traveling in his campervan across Africa with his best friends George and Brigitte and their son Gabby. In Africa, he met Anna Engel, after which the birth of his first love (Chrissie) brought him to Canada. In Canada, he met Nikki and the subsequent births of Michael, Katie and Julia brought him so much joy. Raising the children up North and building their R2000 home, many happy memories were made. Everywhere dad went, he planted roots and founded deep friendships with so many (even his dentist’s receptionist was brought to tears by the news of his death)! Blake loved to seek growth in his community and volunteered regularly at the Food Bank, Lions Club, visited monthly with an inmate at the penitentiary, attended weekly coffee dates with newly released prisoners in a rehabilitation program and many other local programs. Blake was the ultimate hipster before hipsters existed, loving his bees, the sweat lodge and lunches at Beardy reserve, the woods, canoeing, trail running, his garden, equal rights and empowering those without strong voices like his own. Blake was adamant that we celebrate his life and not mourn his passing. His legacy will live on in donations, volunteer time and time spent with loved ones. Please raise a glass with us Saturday May 11th at Nikki’s house from 2-4pm or Sunday May 12th 2-4pm in Rosthern at the Food Bank.