Blake was a two spirited person, cherished as whole being in Native American culture.  Some people knew Blake as a he, some as a she, and some as both.  We cherished Blake for Blake.

Blake Austin Thornton passed away on Thursday, August 10th at the family home in Federal Way, WA. S/he is predeceased by their maternal grandmother, Elaine Huffman and paternal grandfather, Laird Thornton. S/he is survived by their loving parents, Kevin and Kristin Thornton; brother, Garrett; sister, Kaylee; maternal grandfather, Sandy (Clarence) Huffman; paternal grandmother, Kathie Thornton; maternal uncles, John Masiello and Curt Johnson; paternal uncle, Justin Thornton; maternal aunts, Wendy Masiello and Melody Johnson; paternal aunts, Marvice, Kiley, Yvelle, Kerrie, Kelly, and Kirsten Thornton; and cousins, Scotty Johnson, Soren and Toussaint Thornton.

Blake was born on June 19, 2007, in Spokane, WA. From a young age, s/he had the propensity to see and experience the world with acute intuition and intense emotion. S/he spent the earliest years living in Spokane, then moved with the family to Renton, WA at the age of five. S/he attended Fairwood Elementary for Kindergarten through 6th grade, where s/he thrived academically. S/he enjoyed reading books of all varieties and spent many school recesses perfecting their chess game strategy.

Blake had a brilliant mind and excelled most when s/he was challenged. By the time s/he attended Northwood Middle School, s/he often found themself bored in the classroom, but was active in the school community as a member of the robotics club, band program, and the Dungeons & Dragons club.

S/he attended Kentridge High School for their freshman year. There, s/he participated in the choir program, volunteered as a stagehand for the theatre program, and joined the track team, running both the 100- and 200-Meter hurdle races. During their sophomore year, s/he attended Federal Way High School where s/he participated in the school concert choir, jazz choir, and the robotics team.

By the end of their sophomore year, Blake was ready to go a new direction with their education. S/he applied for and was accepted into the Running Start program and planned to begin their studies at Highline College in the fall.  Their excitement at taking on this new endeavor was evident in how s/he talked about plans and what it would mean for their future goals.

S/he spent this last summer like most teens their age do: playing video games, going to the gym, riding their brand-new e-bike all over the city, spending time with friends and family, and working a summer job as a math tutor at Mathnasium. S/he recently started a second job at Ross as a floor assistant and was excited about the new challenge.

It was in Blake's nature to put others before herself. S/he was so determined to help everyone around themself, that as early as age two, s/he talked about wanting to work in a professional field that cared for others: healing both physical and emotional ailments. S/he was affectionate and loving.  Blake never let extended family members come or go from a gathering without a hug, a kiss, and often a baked good. S/he was quick to give their time, attention, and support. Blake was happiest if s/he could ensure that everyone around them felt seen, cared for, and had what they needed.

Blake's passing is difficult to reconcile.  Their story had just begun, and s/he was still learning how to process the world around them and where s/he fit in it. S/he genuinely valued the people in their life and was thankful for those who were intentional about seeing them for who s/he was and who s/he hoped to be. Blake was and will continue to be a beautiful light for those who knew them. In return for this gift, s/he would want us to shine brightly and live with intention, acceptance, and love. S/he will be incredibly missed, but we will all continue to carry their memory forward.

Memorial contributions can be made to Kevin Thornton to supplement memorial costs and help create a scholarship for students studying to provide mental and emotional health counseling for youth and young adults. You can also honor Blake's memory by donating to the Trevor Project whose vision is to create a world where all LGBTQ young people see a bright future for themselves.