Blake Cameron Townsley

Blake Cameron Townsley, soon to be 46 years old, of Deerfield, IL, passed away in the early hours of March 7, 2024 at Highland Park Hospital. Blake was born March 18,1978 in Riverton, WY to Justin and Phyllis (nee Gilpatrick) Townsley.

Initially, a cause of death was a mystery to treating physicians, however, it was later determined that he passed away from touching too many lives and having too many friends. This is an extremely rare condition; one that has only happened a handful of times in recorded history, and possibly a first within the continental United States. We have been told by those who knew him, that when they look back, it is the only possible conclusion. Above anything and everything else was his undying devotion to his family. His wife Julie is the love of his life, his daughter Bea his best friend, and his son Gus will forever be his best partner in crime.

Upon meeting Blake, you would immediately be struck by his ability to set anyone at ease. His friendly nature (he has dropped more than one “Howdy” into formal conversation), his warmth, and his genuine curiosity would make people want to meet him. His witty, occasionally sarcastic, often irreverent, sense of humor combined with considerable intelligence, and a genuine curiosity about others would lead to a lifelong connection with him. Blake is not above criticism, however. Some have complained that their parents “like Blake more than they like them. And that’s Bullshit.” Others were suspicious of his uncanny ability to be relaxed and comfortable in any situation. It is being reported that so many people plan to attend his funeral from out of town and overseas, that there are very real concerns about travel to and within northern Cook County.

Blake was able to connect with so many people because he was passionate about so many things. He was a voracious reader of some of the best and absolute worst in contemporary literature. He loved satire in all forms, willing to enjoy sophisticated commentary on par with absurdist, and as he would admit, just plain stupid jokes.

Blake met the love of his life in that most romantic of ways: over dinner and drinks after being set up by OKCupid. Their conversation was rollicking and the chemistry was instantaneous. In almost no time at all, Julie became “the person who knows his heart best,” and Blake loved Julie with every last bit of his big, open heart. For their too-short time together, Blake and Julie did what all modern married couples do: send memes back and forth while drinking bargain wine. They were partners in all things, including but not limited to parenting, business-building, and crafting dreams.

Blake never shone as brightly as he did in his role as dada. He gave the best shoulder rides. He was an even better hero than Spiderman. Blake celebrated his kids loudly and with great joy.

Blake had a profound passion for music, a journey that began with the trombone. In college, he broadened his musical talents by learning the acoustic guitar, becoming a beloved fixture at parties and gatherings, where he led sing-alongs with friends and housemates. On his 21st birthday, Blake's parents gifted him with a Gretsch Country Gentleman, an iconic electric guitar. Initially, the instrument adorned his wall, serving as a symbol of his musical aspirations. However, the guitar soon became much more than a piece of art; it was a source of inspiration, compelling Blake to become proficient on the instrument. His newfound competence and extensive knowledge of electric guitars and equipment gave him the confidence to connect and dialogue with music industry professionals. His dedication and love for music led him to form two bands, Senator Bogina™ and Bumper Thieves™, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in his musical journey.

He was not above attending a show with his own instrument. In fact, he showed up to enough shows with his guitar that the band Nougat finally said, “Sure. Why not sit in with us a bit, we could use a seventh guitarist.” When he wasn’t playing or listening to music, Blake enjoyed discussing music. He could convince you that Tesla was the most underrated band of the 80s and that Mr. Big’s “To Be With You” was the ultimate sing-along song.

Blake also loved baseball. He would fight for his beloved Chicago Cubs, literally during some Cubs-White Sox series. He hosted many friends for the infamous Bartman game, game 6 of the 2003 NLCS. He dominated anywhere from 2-4 fantasy baseball leagues a year and could be seen carrying his 600-page Baseball Prospectus book at the start of the season. Perhaps his most irreverent and well loved game of all was the annual Celebrity Death Pool.

After moving around for much of his early childhood, Blake and family settled into the Chicago suburb of Northbrook. He went to high school at Glenbrook North High School graduating from the prestigious Academy Program. At GBN he played Lacrosse and soccer. He continued his education at the University of Michigan graduating with BA in Economics and Sociology. After working for Aon and Silicon Valley Bank, Blake took his big brain back to the Chicagoland area and graduated with an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He worked with his brother, Courtland Townsley, as a partner in the Touchstone Group, before finding his most challenging, yet rewarding job, caring for his almost 5-year-old and 2-year-old kids, Bea and Gus.

Blake was loyal, extending beyond his circle of friends to his many favorite local hangouts. He was a regular at Guthries in Wrigleyville, Jake's in Lakeview, and Hopleaf in Andersonville, where he left a lasting impression on many bartenders, including Mark, Char, guy Chris, and James. His loyalty wasn’t limited to just bars; his favorite hot dog (and pizza puff) place in Lakeview was shut down temporarily by the city for rodent infestation. Guess who was the first one in line when the doors opened back up? It wasn’t him, but he was willing to go back there a lot sooner than anyone else.

Blake is a beloved friend to many, many people. He is survived by his wife Julie (nee Skelton) Townsley; his children Beatrix “Bea” and Atticus “Gus”; his brother Courtland Townsley; his nephew Charlie and by his parents.

Blake will be missed by so many people. In his own words, and I promise you this is the first thing he would have said after learning of his own passing: “...well, this is just bullshit.”

No goodbyes, no hesitation, but lots of tears. May we be fearless and joyful in all our days, even if they’re without you. We love you to infinity and beyond.

Visitation will be on Sunday March 10, 2024 from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Funeral service at the funeral home on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 11:00 am. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Planned Parenthood and Guitars for Vets.