BackpackingLight.com Staff Member (Navigation Systems Editor) Blake Morstad was killed in an avalanche New Years Day in Montana's Centennial Mountains. Please use this forum as a memorial to Blake's life, we will be sending comments to his wife and family.

A link to a short memorial is here:

Blake Morstad Memorial

Also: Blake Morstad Bio

This has been a tremendously sad tragedy, please keep Blake's family in your prayers.

Ryan Jordan

Edited by ryan on 01/04/2005 12:06:14 MST.

I can't begin to understand what close friends and family must be going through...my heart goes out to you all. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. May God comfort you, take care of you and heal the pain and loss.

Prayers,

Jim Augustine

My sincere condolences to the BPL staff and families in the loss of Blake Morstad.

Words can't do justice to console the pain and sorrow his family and friends must feel.

Blake, by Ryan's account, was surely a Godly man. I do believe all that happens, both good and bad, is part of God's plan. We may not understand why, but we can be assured of Blake's salvation by the way he lived his life and his faith.

I would like to give my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

My prayers will be for them.
Chuck

Hey Blake, I know we never actually met, but I feel like I know you since we worked together. We're both hooked on mountains, and reviewing gear, and learning why things work, or not work. I can't believe you really left us. You gotta still be hanging around the BPL site to check out what's new. Could you give us some kind of sign to let us know you are still hanging out with us, to let us know you're still around, so we don't forget you? I'm sure you will think of something. We will be watching for your sign.
Your friend, Will.

Of course, I say "little brother" jokingly. We all know that Blake towered over me, Erin, and our other sister, Rachel. He was truly a gentle giant. Thank you, Ryan, for your beautiful, thoughtful story. Your words made me laugh and cry, but most of all, your story allowed me to remember Blake and that awesome feeling that you get from ripping turns and carving big lines.

Peace.

Thanks for your article, Ryan. I only worked with Blake on one article and really didn't get to know him. I wish I had. There are too few with his character in this world, particularly at his age. This tragedy has touched my wife and I very much. Our prayers go out to his wife and family.
Jay

I never met Blake, but from the stories I've heard he was an incredible person and mountaineer. May his pure spirit live on in all of us.

Hi Addie, Erin, Rachel (and all Blake's family),
I never met Blake in person, just worked with him through the magic of the internet. His work at Backpacking Light lives on. This morning I was a little emotional as I did some final editing on a stove review Blake wrote. I feel like I'm still getting to know him through his writing, as our readers will too. I trust that somehow his passing fits into the order of things even if I can't understand it. My prayers are with all of you.

We are so saddened to learn of your loss. Words, as you know, cannot express how much are hearts ache for you and how vividly you ALL will be in our prayers. Unfortunately we did not know Blake personally....he must be a wonderful man...to have chosen you as his soulmate and given you his child. We are praying for you now and for your future. Always,........... Cheryl, Bruce, and Erica Cummings

I am very saddened at the news. Blake was a student of mine. I appreciated him greatly. He will be missed, but not forgotten. My prayers go out to his family. We are all better people for having known him.
Laura

Blake was someone who we saw play baseball and basketball in Plentywood and showed steers at the Sheridan County Fair. To his wife and family and friends our very deepest sympathy and prayers for your loss of Blake on earth. I've read thru the editoral and memorial of Blake - he was someone who made a difference. mary, wes, mark, richard shackelford

I just got the horrible news about Blake. I don't live in Bozeman anymore, but I have some friends who keep me in touch. Addie, Margie, Steve, Rachel, Joe and Erin I am SO Sorry for your loss. Blake was a wonderful man, and I am very blessed that I was able to know him. He always made me laugh. To this day I still get a smile on my face when I go through a car wash, which he wasn't that comfortable in. He always amazed me with his brilliance and his love of life. I will always have fond memories of him. I am absolutely in shock and all my thoughts and prayers go out to you all. God Bless you. Please feel free to contact me, sh_momma@hotmail.com if there is anything I can do for you in Calgary. Addie my heart goes out to and your beautiful baby I am so sorry for your loss. Sara Hewitt

Edited by shewitt on 01/05/2005 19:34:42 MST.

Blake - You were the friend who passed me with a wave and smile on many a backcountry trail, the student whose papers I used to check the key. Your energy and enthusiasm for life were contagious, and your memory instills a desire to push on to experience new adventures, learn about new horizons and appreciate all the people and wonders around me. I'll catch you again sometime, if I'm lucky enough.
Robb

I went to high school with Blake in Plentywood. He truly was one of the nicest guys I've ever met. Blake always took things in stride and rarely wansn't wearing a smile.

This tragic event really tugs at the heart strings and I so wish there was something all of us could do to ease the heartache of all Blake's family and friends. I hope tho that knowing how many lives Blake has touched and how many people have been affected not only by his passing, but also his life will somehow ease some of the pain.

To Blake's family, you are all in the thoughts, hearts and prayers of so many. Blake will forever live on in all of our hearts, memories, and in that precious little baby growing inside Addie. I know Blake and his little baby are up in Heaven right now getting to know eachother while we all await his/her arrival. That little one will always know his/her daddy and what a kind, gentle, wonderful person he was. They will always have a special bond and thru that you will not only be blessed with a new life, but also a connection to Blake.

You are all in my prayers, and my heart goes out to you.
Keri (Maier) VanCampen

I only met Blake briefly, but was honoured to meet such a caring soul. There are no words that can express the depth of your loss, or that can ease the pain of his passing. My prayers and thought go out to his loving family.

God bless

Paul Allyjan

I graduated with Blake from Plentywood High School. He will be remembered by his warm, friendly smile and helpful personality. My thoughts and prayers are with Steve, Patsy, Addie, and all of Blake's family. God is with you as we know he is with Blake. Take Care, Kolby (Sorenson) Carrier

I was so sorry to hear of Blake's passing. May God give your family strength through this difficult time. His memory will last forever in your hearts.

Hi Marjie, Rachel, and Erin,
It's been a long time since I've seen you all but I think of you often as I've been feeling nestalgic lately. Dad gave me an old photo album not long ago and there are lots of pictures of all of us together. For me Blake will always remain the sweet little boy with a big smile and golden hair. I wish I'd known him as an adult; please send his wife my prayers and let her know that my family will make a donation to the trust fund for their new baby. All my love and prayers are with you. Colette

As another BPL staffer, I never met Blake in person. But I am certain he was a kindred spirit; dedicated to his young family and reveling in the joy of the outdoors. Addie, as I have seen you say in messages to others, do everything you can to pass Blake's spirit to your child. You are in the thoughts of my family.
Best, Don