Blake Eric Strong, age 61, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2022 in Coronado, California, with his family by his side.
He was born on May 21, 1961, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to David and Merle Strong. As a young man, he loved sports and was a talented drummer, playing in a local band named “Rock Water” and for Skyline High School. He also received an Eagle Scout Award. In 9th grade he was voted Governor (President) of the student body at Churchill Jr. High School. He graduated from Skyline High School in 1979.
Blake attended the University of Utah and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He left home and school to serve a two-year LDS mission in Germany, where he grew to love the German people and their culture. He returned to Germany on business and pleasure several times in his life.
He married the love of his life, Cindy Ryser, in the Salt Lake Temple on July 6, 1983. Together they raised 4 wonderful children and built a happy and blessed life with one another. They celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary in Coronado just weeks ago.
In 1985, he graduated from the University of Utah with a BA degree in Economics and continued to be an avid Utah Utes fan and supporter. He was involved with the University of Utah Crimson Club for several years, acting as Chairman of the Athletic Fund Board, and even served as the Crimson Club President.
Blake’s love for the automobile business started as a young man, when he worked for his grandfather, L.H. Strong, and father, David, at their car dealerships. When his father retired, Blake began the third generation of the Strong Auto Group as an Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen dealer. He especially enjoyed working with his three sons and teaching them the family business to carry on the family legacy into the 4th Generation.
Blake was a well-respected Car Dealer nationally and received many honors and prestigious awards throughout his career. He attributes these recognitions and awards to his wonderful and loyal employees. He served on the Audi of America Dealer Council for three years, and as the Chairman for Audi of America for two years. Locally, he served on the New Car Dealers of Utah Board, then as President in 2012. He also served on the Board of Directors of New Motor Vehicles Advisory Board for Utah. In 2015 he received the National TIME Quality Dealer Award for Utah. A few months ago, he was honored and inducted into the New Car Dealers of Utah Hall of Fame. He has touched many lives and accomplished much in the Automotive Industry.
Blake was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loved serving his ward members in the Bonneville 1st Ward as Bishop, and had callings in the High Council and other bishopric positions. He really loved his calling to serve in the Salt Lake Temple as an ordinance worker and supervisor. He had a strong love for the Savior and the plan of salvation.
He loved and served his community as a sponsor and donor for many organizations such as The University of Utah, Ballet West, Make-a-Wish Foundation, REAL Soccer, and The Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Blake’s life was full, and he dearly loved his family and friends, golfing with his three boys, watching his daughter cheer and dance, and the adventures of traveling to places near and far. He loved skiing and swimming and was an avid fan of watching all sports. Most of all he loved any time spent with his family especially in Coronado, California. He and his family are so grateful to all that served and sustained them through his recent healthcare challenge – the doctors, nurses, and the Huntsman Cancer Institute. His immediate family served him tirelessly throughout his illness, still traveling together and enjoying every precious moment. “Stronger Together” was their motto. Through it all, Blake always remained optimistic and often said, “I am grateful for every day.” His family finds comfort in knowing they are sealed together forever in the Salt Lake Temple.
He is survived by his wife Cindy, children Taylor, Joshua, Samuel, and Isabelle. He is also survived by his siblings Cathy (Mike), Lisa (Kimball), Brad (Sana), Angie (Marion) and parents David and Merle Strong.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 12, 2022, at the Bonneville Stake Center, 1535 East Bonneview Drive (1050 South) at 12:00 pm. A viewing will be held Thursday evening August 11, 2022, at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 East 1300 South) from 5:00-7:00 pm, and a viewing will also be held the morning of August 12, 2022 from 10:00-11:30 am at the Bonneville Stake Center. Dedication of the grave will be at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 East 1300 South). Following this, a luncheon will be held for immediate and close family members at the Alumni House at the University of Utah.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Huntsman Cancer Institute https://thehuntsman.org/strongertogether
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Cindy Lou Poliska
I never had the opportunity to meet Blake, However I have done a lot of work for his boys and if it’s true what they say you can tell the nature of a Man by his children then I know that Blake was a great man.
I send my prayers to the family.
It was an honor to work with Blake in the Salt Lake Temple. He was kind, loving, and encouraging. The world nerds more like him.
Blake was kind enough to allow me to work at the Porsche/Audi dealership when I turned 18. I was able to work there throughout college and truly remains to be a highlights of my life. He allowed me to test my business skills, interface with clients, and work on some of the world's finest automobiles.
Blake checked in with me regularly and always took interest in how school/life was going. He was always kind, fair, positive, and encouraging. As a young entry-level employee this made you feel proud to be a part of the Strong organization. He was a great man.
I worked at the Salt Lake Temple with Blake. He was so loving to all the workers. I was always touched with how frequently he expressed his love to us. He inspired, taught, corrected, train, and lived by example. I am forever grateful I got to know Blake.
To Cindy and family, We are so saddened to hear about the passing of blake. We have watched from afar as you worked to take care of Blake along with your family. Please know we love you and think of you often. We would love to reconnect. Pete and Heidi Sonntag.
Blake served with my husband Mark and I in the Salt Lake Temple up to it's closure for remodeling in December 2019. He was a joy to work with. His love for the temple and the Lord was evident in all that he did there. He served the patrons and ordinance workers with lovingkindness and his genuine smile made everyone feel comfortable. Blake sincerely cared about people and treated each person with respect and dignity. He will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know him, but he will be comfortable and at peace in the presence of the Lord.
I will forever be grateful to Blake, the coordinator of my shift at the Salt Lake Temple, for allowing and encouraging me to memorize temple ceremonies so I could present them to patrons as a relatively new ordinance worker. He did this despite some sentiment that more seasoned workers should lead out in the months before the temple closed for renovation. His easy manner and smile made temple service a blessing to me and my family. May his example of discipleship provide comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
You were a great leader and I wish I had been a better employee/friend.
IT WAS HONOR TO WORK FOR YOU, BLAKE