December 31, 1986 - February 13, 2021
Blake José Avelino, born in Vancouver, BC, died at the age of 34 in Vancouver, BC, on February 13, 2021, after a four-year battle with schizophrenia, housing insecurity and substance use.
Blake was an outstanding athlete, excelling in basketball, snowboarding and taekwondo. He had a lifelong passion for good food and could take you on an incredible culinary tour of Vancouver. Blake will be remembered as an exceptionally kind, generous and humorous person who loved his family and friends deeply - he cared about everyone.
Blake is survived by his mother Kerrie Purdy (nee Blakley) and stepfather Glen Purdy (Sparwood, BC), father Norman Avelino and stepmother Sonya Avelino (New Zealand), brother Nigel Purdy and sister Kaylynn Purdy (Sparwood, BC), grandmothers Helen Purdy (Calgary, AB) and Darlene Vestad (Kelowna BC), as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.
Blake was loved dearly by many; his memory will live on through those who loved him and knew him. His family would like to thank the BC Assertive Community Treatment Program Team 2 and his physician Dr. Leong for doing all they could for Blake. May his passing bring greater awareness to those suffering from mental illnesses, and the need for more mental health and addiction services in British Columbia.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the BC Assertive Community Treatment Program in memory of Blake Avelino at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Donate at vghfoundation.ca/blakeavelino, by calling 604-875-4676, or by mail to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation 190-855 West 12 Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9.
Memories & condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com
Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.
Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd