Blake G. Buri, 47, a prominent Colfax business owner, passed away August 13, 2014 at Holy Family Hospital in Spokane surrounded by his loving family. Funeral Services will be Monday, August 18th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Colfax. Private family graveside will precede at the Colfax Cemetery. Blake was born February 27, 1967 in Colfax. He was the fourth of five Buri boys to be born to Dale Walter and Gayle (Gardner) Buri. He grew up in Colfax and graduated from high school there in 1985. Although Blake didn't play many sports in school he was always an avid supporter of his classmates and possessed a high level of school spirit. His ability to remember numbers and stats about specific games was always impressive. He had a quick wit and constant sense of humor that kept many friends and teachers in stitches. After graduation Blake attended Southwestern Bible College in Phoenix, Arizona for two years. He was always drawn back to Colfax and never had a desire to be anywhere else. Blake began working for a medical supply company in town and in the Spring of 1997 he opened his own business, Buri's Medical Equipment, which has been a fixture on Main Street ever since. Blake grew the business over time with hard work and perseverance. He was also very giving of his time and talents to anyone in town who had a need. Blake put others first and it was not uncommon for him to support those going on mission trips, pay for a tooth that needed fixing, or provide groceries for someone in need. Blake was sensitive to all those around him, generous to a fault, cared deeply about his community, loved his family and friends unconditionally and could make people laugh with ease. He had a knack for being able to read people and truly cared about making them feel special through phone calls or acts of kindness that are sometimes rare in today's society. He was introduced to his wife Angela White at a gathering in Seattle. Blake and Angela hit it off immediately and have been inseparable since those first few dates. They married March 7, 1998 at Onecho Bible Church near Colfax where they made their home. Blake was extremely proud of his family and loved spending time with their three children; Isaiah (13), Hannah (11), and Noah (10). They often took drives in the country where Blake would point out all the wildlife they saw or simply take the kids for a milkshake downtown. He never missed one of their sporting events and he always loved to "brag" about his kids. The family had a cabin near Seeley Lake, Montana and some of Blake's favorite times were spent there with his family and his brothers and their families. He loved to fish, go 4-wheeling, snowmobiling or just spend quiet time. He was an avid Cougar fan and a bigger Colfax sports fan even providing radio commentary on Bulldog basketball games for several years. At the time of his death, Blake was serving as the President of the Whitman Hospital Foundation. He was an active member of the Catalyst Church in Colfax and recently became active as part of the worship team; joking often by saying "come to church early and get a seat – now that I'm on the worship team it's going to be standing room only!". Blake may be remembered most for his loyalty to his family, to his community and to his friends. He will be missed by his wife Angela and their children, Isaiah, Hannah and Noah all living at the family home in Colfax; his mother, Gayle Buri, Colfax; and by his four brothers and their families; Chris & Camie Buri, Plano, Texas, David & Becky Buri, Colfax, Kurt & Kristie Buri, Scottsdale, Arizona and Steve & Angelica Buri of New Castle, Washington. Blake's dad, Dale, passed away earlier this year. Memorial gifts are suggested to the Whitman Hospital Foundation or to the Catalyst Church.
On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com. Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.