A Tribute to the Life of a Recent Hope College Alumni

 Blake Parmer (’18) went home to meet his Heavenly Father unexpectedly in his sleep on December 29, 2019. Many students and faculty on campus were blessed by his presence. As we grieve the tragic loss of a dear friend, we can only scratch the surface of what his beloved family is feeling. Blake continuously showed up with a piece of God that no one else could bring to this world. He was charismatic and brave. He refused to leave love at the door; rather, he brought it everywhere he went. Blake was never afraid to love people. The Business Department was widely encouraged by his pioneering spirit. He was a prominent contributor to Hope’s Ski and Snowboard Club, and a bright light to his fraternity brothers in Fraters. Blake was an entrepreneur with a rich soul for people. He was the VP, COO and CDO of the consulting company Safe Response, LLC. Working closely with the business department, Blake operated, managed and developed Safe Response, LLC. throughout his college career.

     Prior to his accomplishments in higher education, Blake was known for his personality that could never be matched. His demeanor was light-hearted and joyful. He loved to laugh and make the people around him laugh. There was a sense that he knew what it meant to live, finding a bypass around the facade of life’s seriousness. Somehow, even as an adult, he found a way to play. Blake loved to snowboard, skateboard, go for drives in his Alfa Romeo convertible, and anything else outdoors. He played soccer, rode dirt bikes and experimented with many other adrenaline-related activities. Blake practically froze time when he wanted to. Many students remember this of Blake: he saw us. He saw us when we spoke. He listened when we needed it the most. Blake was a friend to many. The presence of this man was refreshing. Blake Parmer was widely known for his generosity. If something was given extra or overboard, Blake did it. Even as a college student, he found a way to serve immensely. His type of service was anonymous, but everyone knew it had to be him. No one else had a heart like his. It was always Blake to be bountifully generous.

     Blake Alexander Parmer was a man worth knowing. This hope in Christ remains: as his brothers and sisters in Christ, we will one day meet with him again. Remembering Blake reminds us to smile widely because he taught us that not everything is as serious as we make it out to be. College is difficult and can be wearisome, but we have Blake as a prime example of a student that did not waste his joy. Find a moment to smile today. Blake would.

 


Emily was a staff writer for the Anchor during the 2019-2020 school year. Her drive for journalism comes from her desire for storytelling. She is passionate about finding and creating a way for voices to be heard, that otherwise would be bypassed. The most important thing to Emily is people. The work just follows. Emily studies English and political science for secondary education. Some of her hobbies include hiking, international travel, hanging with kids and training her german shepherd!


'A Tribute to the Life of a Recent Hope College Alumni' has 3 comments

  1. January 19, 2020 @ 9:07 pm Jessica DeMeester

    This is beautiful, what a special tribute to an incredible soul.

    Reply

  2. January 19, 2020 @ 9:34 pm Mary Smith

    This tribute was heartfelt! What a beautiful life ….sounds like he was a blessing and he was blessed!! God let him really SEE others and called him home at a very young age! No answers but our hope is in the Lord! Shine brightly Blake in your heavenly home ??⭐️ ??

    Reply

  3. January 22, 2020 @ 1:04 pm Vivian Wilhoite

    I did not know Blake. However, I know his uncle, Nick Bailey, who loved him dearly. From reading his Tribute, I would have loved to have been Blake’s friend. There’s nothing like someone like Blake, young, full of life, hope and joy, who would encourage you and show that life is worth living joyously in it. My heart and my deepest prayers go out to Blake’s family.
    Gratefully,
    Vivian Wilhoite

    Reply


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