Obituary: John Blake Donner

John Blake Donner 09/07/80 ~ 08/18/05 John Blake Donner, born September 7, 1980, died August 18, 2005 in a spelunking accident in a cave on Y Mountain in Provo, Utah. Blake was currently an honors student in his third year at Utah Valley State College, majoring in Philosophy and English, being particularly influenced by the philosophy of Guy Debord and the Situationists. Blake's passions included music, art and trains. He was a talented painter of what he called "the most democratic of art forms." He was the lyricist and singer/screamer for the hardcore/punk rock band Parallax which toured the west coast this summer and was scheduled to tour the east coast in November. Parallax's album, entitled "Medium and Messages", with spoken word by Greg Bennick is due out this fall, on Counter Intelligence Records. Blake's music reflects his strong sentiments of the need for social justice and cultural awareness. In a recent interview he gave, when asked the reason he played music, Blake answered, "Hardcore/punk had a deep impact on me from a very early age. . . . I have always felt that when hardcore is at its best, it is a progressive medium where anyone can freely express their emotions and ideas---a medium that is threatening and challenging to our everyday lives, something that inspires us to change ourselves and the world around us. . . Hardcore/punk is very relevant. I am in a band to share the things that I love, the things that frustrate me, the things that overwhelm me, and the things that inspire me. Lyrically, I try to deal with issues that are difficult in my everyday life, but the issues are always underlying that everyday existence: alienation, failure, suicide, fear, hope, homophobia, patriarchy, power struggles, etc. Things that we all deal with. My intentions are to make some kind of connection, even if it is extremely fleeting. I scream not for some kind of stylish motive, but because I feel the words I write must be screamed." Blake was a dedicated member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and a devoted vegan for over eight years. He had employment with Chryslis, a care service for adult disabled people, and earlier with the Lehi Elementary School's preschool for disabled children. He had a deep sympathy and love for the people with whom he worked. Blake is survived by family and friends. His immediate family includes, his mother, Laura Hamblin; his father, John Loring Donner (of Dallas); and his grandparents, W. Kenneth and Sally Hamblin. He was the beloved nephew and cousin of Bill and Loree Hamblin and their children, Ken and Becky Hamblin, Karen and Caleb Bell, and Alex Hamblin; Richard and Lisa Robison and their children, Kris and Beth Robison (grandchildren Mason and Carter), Max, Kirk, Eli, and Quentin Robison; and Kim and Garret Hart and their children, Sam, Wren and Sage Hart. His absence will be felt by the Parallax band members Elliot Secrist, Travis Low, Charles Bogus and Mike Collins, and his philosophy professor, mentor and friend, Dennis Potter. Friends and family are welcome to attend a memorial service in honor of Blake at Utah Valley State College in the Learning Center (library) room 243 on Tuesday, August 23 from 4-6 p.m. Donations may be made to the scholarship fund in honor of Blake Donnor, Jennifer Galbraith, and Scott McDonald at Utah Valley State College (contact Don LaVange 863-8577).