Martin Blake LINELL

(Martin Blake Linell) died in his home in Laingsburg, Michigan on November 8, 2001. Born on March 14, 1978 in Fort McMurray, Alberta to Ann Mason and Todd Armstrong, Blake spent most of his growing-up years in the Lansing area. While very young Blake practiced Karate and earned his black belt. The quiet and thoughtful discipline of this study stayed with him long after he moved onto other interests. He enjoyed long, slow walks, reflected the wisdom of careful contemplation, and achieved the peace of self-awareness and spiritual balance. Blake lived in the moment, was prepared for the unexpected, and had no regrets in life. He was a musician and an armchair philosopher. Never at home in the conventional school system, Blake left high school to pursue independent studies. He enjoyed the community of Rivendell Co-op and worked at The Brick House after moving away from home. He attended Lansing Community College where he studied music, philosophy and comparative religion. He practiced meditation and had an enduring interest in Tibetan Buddhism. Though most comfortable at home, Blake still explored the world. In 1998, he spent three months travelling in Turkey. He also spent time in Paris and Amsterdam before returning home to Michigan. The following summer Blake ventured to Ireland to test the culture of his ancestors. He returned home with fantastic socks, an invigorated passion for Irish music, and a refined taste for Guinness and Irish whiskey. Most recently, Blake went to Iqaluit, Nunavit with his brother Audla to meet his Inuit family. In 1999 Blake moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia to complete his B.A. in philosophy at Dalhousie University. The community of Irish musicians in Nova Scotia welcomed him to their music sessions called Ceilidhs. Blake happily complained of how busy he was playing guitar for demanding step dancers and fiddlers. In July 2000, Blake returned to Laingsburg to help care for his mother, Ann Mason, who was dying from cancer. An exceptionally committed and loving caretaker, Blake gave his mother great comfort in her final months. He developed a deep respect for the care and gentle guidance offered by hospice; he thought about becoming a hospice volunteer. After his mother's death in January 2001, Blake found solace in his music and became a member of the band Millish. His enthusiasm for his beginning music career filled those who loved him with great joy. Friends and family recognized that Blake was one of the lucky few who did what he loved and loved what he did. He was a master of living, and he appreciated all that life brought him. Blake will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. His mother, Ann Mason, and his grandmother, Joan Armour Mason preceded him. His survivors include: grandfather and step-grandmother Lowell B. Mason and Elizabeth Upjohn Mason, Kalamazoo; sister Whitney Ann Linell, Milford; wife Jessica Crabill, Halifax; father Todd Armstrong, step-father Andre Cyr and step-brother Audla Geetah-Cyr, Ottawa, Ontario; aunt and uncle Joan and Martin Mason-Grant, London, Ontario; uncle John Mason, Fennville; and a large and loving extended family. Also, his cats Pekoe and Juice will remember him in their own furry way. A wake will be held at Blake's home (4816 Alward Road, Laingsburg), Friday, November 23, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 24, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 8, 2001, 3 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 800 Abbott Road East, Lansing, Michigan. Donations in Blake's memory may be made to Hospice of Clinton County, St. Johns, or The Ann Mason Wildlife Fund at Michigan Wildlife Habitat Foundation, Bath. The Ottawa Citizen, Nov. 22, 2001. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 8, 2001 at 3:00 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 800 Abbott Road, East Lansing, Michigan. The Ottawa Citizen, Dec. 6, 2001