Blake Nordstrom, 2017

Blake and Molly Nordstrom with Eric Bensussen and Jon Fine

Blake with the Nordstrom Family, receiving the Visionary Beacon of Philanthropy Award in 2015

Blake Nordstrom visits with Emerging Leaders

Blake Nordstrom with Dan and Annie Wilson

Blake Nordstrom and Shan Mullin

Blake Nordstrom honoring Bill Neukom in 2017

Blake Nordstrom with Jon Fine, Annie Wilson and Roy Whitehead

With Blake Nordstrom’s passing today, we’ve lost an incredible business and community leader. At United Way, we’ve also lost a friend.

While the Nordstrom family has always been close to United Way, Blake’s commitment and energy has particularly stood out. He was a tireless champion for United Way and taking care of the community within the company—and also gave his time in a way that is unusual for someone with such a demanding day job.

He and his wife Molly served as co-chairs of our major gift efforts for six years. Yes, six years. That’s the sort of commitment he brought—he was excited about the work and helping us grow the group of donors and didn’t want to stop.

Undoubtedly, many people considered Blake a mentor—and Jon Fine, our CEO, was among them. Forever challenging him with having organization-wide alignment and coveting those one-page dashboards, Blake was quick to respond with thoughtful guidance and helpful advice.

Blake was often willing to speak at events for Emerging Leaders and leadership donors. He was always happy to share how giving back had shaped both the company and his family.

“I feel a tremendous sense of loss today. I know many others do as well. I am deeply saddened and will miss his guidance and insight,” reflected Jon Fine, United Way of King County President and CEO. “Our heart goes out to Molly and the Nordstrom family.”

The Nordstrom Family has requested that remembrance be made to United Way of King County or University of Washington Rowing. Blake believed strongly in the great work of these organizations and was a tireless advocate for both.