Blake Cameron Birchell

Blake Cameron Birchell was born on March 13, 1980, in Salem, Oregon, to Vicki (Baumann) and Olin Birchell. He passed away on October 18, 2026, at the age of 46.

Blake graduated from Willamina High School in 1998, where he played basketball. He was a big man with an incredibly kind heart, a one-of-a-kind jolly laugh, and a personality that filled a room. You always knew when Blake was having a good time. His laughter was contagious, and it was one of those things you could never mistake for anyone else's.

A true jack of all trades, Blake was the kind of person who could do just about anything. He was never afraid of hard work or a new challenge. His working years took him down many different paths, beginning with pumping gas during high school, followed by working as a blackjack dealer at Spirit Mountain Casino. He later became the manager of American Legion Post 93 on Orcas Island, Washington. For the last five years of his life, he worked as a delivery driver for FedEx Express in Salem, Oregon.

Blake met his best friend and the love of his life, Catherine (Kate) Tulloh, in 2001. In 2007, he followed her to Orcas Island, Washington, where they made their home together. During those years, Blake enjoyed fishing in the waters of Puget Sound, making memories and enjoying the beauty of island life. They were married on August 15, 2009, in Eastsound, Washington. After spending several wonderful years on the island, they moved back to Oregon in 2015 to be closer to family. Above all else, Blake loved spending time with Kate. She was his wife, his best friend, and his partner in life.

Some of Blake's happiest moments were spent surrounded by family. He loved family gatherings, especially planning them and cooking for everyone. An excellent cook, Blake found joy in bringing people together around a good meal. Although he did not have children of his own, he dearly loved his cousins' children and treasured the time he spent with them.

Blake had many interests and unique passions. He was an avid gun collector, a history buff with a particular fascination for World War II and the Civil War, and enjoyed the mystery and possibility of Sasquatch. He also had a special love for animals, especially his cats. Whether exploring history, pursuing one of his interests, preparing a meal for family, or simply enjoying time with the people he loved, Blake had a way of making ordinary moments memorable.

Blake was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Wilda Mae Birchell, his grandfather, Arnold Baumann, his aunt, Katherine (Kathy) Woods, and his uncle, Brian Birchell.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine (Kate) Birchell; his parents, Vicki and Olin Birchell; his sister, Kelli Birchell, and her husband, Joel Togstad; his grandmother, Norma Baumann; along with extended family and many loved ones who will miss him dearly.

Blake leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a legacy of laughter, kindness, and generosity, and a space at the family table that will never quite be filled. He will be remembered for his enormous heart, his unmistakable laugh, his many talents, and the love he shared with those fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Blake's memory to Friends of Felines in Keizer, Oregon. https://sfof.org/

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring, near his birthday in March.

He was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.