Our beloved son, Blake, passed away unexpectedly in Midvale on December 19, at age 40. He was born in Salt Lake City on May 1, 1984, the youngest of four children to Alan & Karma Fernelius.

As a baby, Blake developed an eye disorder known as strabismus, and was often seen with adorable cross-eyed grins, wearing little professor baby glasses, and later with an eye patch covering his right eye. As a child he was lovable and mischievous. During one of several (or many) temporary confinements to his bedroom, he quietly opened his bedroom window, cut through the screen, and escaped into the neighborhood to play. He loved to be outside exploring the neighborhood, following his siblings and friends around. Because of his blonde hair, he was given the nickname “Peaches” by his siblings and cousins. As he grew into a young man, he enjoyed doing stunts on the backyard trampoline, playing golf, and participating in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Blake attended Hillcrest and Brighton High Schools, graduating from Brighton High School in 2002. During his high school years, he enjoyed choir, English, playing the piano, running around the neighborhood with his Creek Road friends, and honing his skills as an avid gamer. He was very gregarious and loved to be helpful to anyone, especially if it involved fixing phones and computers.

As a teenager, Blake began to experience mental health issues that continued to intensify over the next 25 years, worsened by addiction, and despite a recent period of sobriety, ultimately led to his recent passing. We rejoice that he is now in a better place and is no longer in mental and emotional pain. He received great care at Valley Behavioral Health and at several local hospitals. He was also often lovingly looked after by his Aunt Karen. We are indebted to those compassionate individuals who have endeavored to help him and countless others like him.

Blake is survived by his parents Karma & Alan Fernelius, siblings Sally Wood (Ryan), C.B. Fernelius (Chera), and Wendy Fernelius, as well as three nephews and three nieces.

A brief funeral service will be held on January 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary located at 2350 East 1300 South in Salt Lake City, preceded by a viewing at 10:00 AM.

To watch the service, please follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83419069077