Blake Adams Nelson was born February 6, 1986, to Philip and Ladonna Nelson. He grew up in Cowiche, Washington, and graduated from Highland High School, where he played basketball, football, baseball, and tennis. He attended Washington State University for forest management as well as fire science. Even though he was the youngest of three boys, Blake was always a leader and had an adventurous spirit that craved the outdoors. He spent his childhood roaming his grandparents’ apple and pear orchards, hunting snakes and squirrels, and leading his cousins on all their hunts.

In 2007, Blake began his career in public service as a wildland firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service. He fought countless forest fires across the United States on a hand crew and later in his career worked on an engine. After he and his wife, Lindsey, were blessed with three children and expecting their fourth child, he made a career change and began working at Columbia Basin Railroad. His servant’s heart led him to volunteer with the Naches Fire Department in 2019. Blake was able to continue doing what he loved, fighting fire and serving his community.

Blake’s love for the outdoors didn’t stop with firefighting. He had a passion for hunting and didn’t discriminate; he hunted large and small game, waterfowl, and upland birds. The seasons in his family’s home looked a little different from everyone else. While there were still four, his consisted of duck season, deer/elk season, fire season, and fishing season. Blake was a true and loyal friend to so many in the fire service, along with fishing and hunting buddies.

Blake was unexpectedly taken from us in October 2021. He leaves behind his wife, Lindsey, who was pregnant with their fourth child at the time of his passing; his children, Kennedy, Henry, Charlie, and Molly; his parents, Phil and LaDonna; brothers, Deric and Darin; nephews, Bryce and Branson; niece, Addison; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will forever be deeply missed. His family takes comfort knowing he is home with our Heavenly Father and watching over us all.