Remembering Blake Nordstrom: 'He cared about Seattle'
Remembering Blake Nordstrom: "He cared about Seattle" (PHOTO: KOMO News)
Downtown Seattle might not look the same without him. Wednesday night people across the city are remembering Blake Nordstrom
The 58-year-old Nordstrom co-president died unexpectedly after a battle with brain cancer
Blake Nordstrom's passion and deep dedication resonated all over the city.
"Whether it was about downtown or homelessness and countless other issues, he cared about Seattle," said President and CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association, Jon Scholes.
The 58-year-old Co-president of his family's retail company, served on the Downtown Seattle Association's board for more than two decades. "He never did anything halfway," said Scholes. "He was gracious with his time, went above and beyond his time on the board to look for other opportunities to contribute."
The DSA president said Nordstrom's impact on downtown has been tremendous ever since the 1990s when the company stepped up and invested in downtown after Frederick and Nelson closed and another department store left town.
"He cared deeply about this community, about this place, and was key to the revitalization of downtown in the late 1990s when the retail core was threatened," said Scholes. "Nordstrom made an investment in its flagship and really helped save our downtown."
Nordstrom's loss leaves a void that will be felt for a long time.
"Just his compassion," said Scholes "He was dedicated in everything he did. He cared about the people around him and he was able to balance the needs of his customers, his company, his employees and this community in an incredible way."
The DSA said they were in The process of talking to Nordstrom about what the association can do for homelessness in the city.
His brothers will continue to serve as co-presidents.
