Michael John Blaylock

Michael John Blaylock, 58, died peacefully on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at his home in Purcellville, VA. Michael was born in Nyssa, Oregon to Dean Paul Blaylock and Carolyn Nelson, and raised on the family’s dairy farm with his two sisters and four brothers. Michael attended Nyssa High School and graduated in the class of 1980. His childhood was marked by tractors, 4H prize-winning chickens, and sports, all while learning principles of service and hard work. After graduating from Nyssa High School, Michael attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho for a year before departing to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Germany Dusseldorf Mission. Michael loved his full-time service to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and fondly shared these memories with his family and youth in the Church as often as he could. After completing his missionary service, Michael enrolled at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where he enjoyed countless sporting opportunities, studies, and social events. Through these social activities and mutual friends, he was introduced to Kaylene Turner of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and they were married on June 20, 1987, in Boise, Idaho. Michael graduated from Brigham Young University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy - Crop Science and completed a Master of Science degree in 1988 in Agronomy - Soil Fertility. Michael then went on to receive his Ph.D. in Soil and Environmental Chemistry in 1992 from the University of Maryland - College Park. Michael spent most of his professional career at Edenspace Systems Corporation, including seven years as the President and CEO. During the last year of his career, he worked as a Senior Contracts Administrator at Mosaic ATM in Leesburg, Virginia. Through his professional endeavors, he assisted with twenty-nine Environmental Science Publications, led numerous multidisciplinary projects, and patented seven new environmental technologies. Michael is loved and remembered for his devotion to his family, unshakeable faith and service, and his sense of humor. His Church responsibilities included time spent serving as a youth advisor, Young Men’s President, Bishop, service missionary, and teacher. His focus was always outward, as he exemplified true Christlike service. He spent many summers leading youth service and scout camping trips, making connections with youth over the years, and was always one joke away from a laugh and accompanying eye-roll. He will be forever remembered by his wife, companion, and best friend of 34 years, Kaylene; his five children Braedon, Berrett (Jenny), Kendall (Kandice), Tamasen (Daniel) Cannon, and Bryson; his brothers and sisters Becky (Robert) Clinton, Alan (Kathy), Scott (Linda), David (Penny), Roger (Julie), and Elizabeth “Buffy” (Juan) Rodriguez. He is also survived by one granddaughter Tatum, with one grandson on the way, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. The funeral service will be Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 11:00am. Due to the ongoing pandemic, COVID restrictions are in place and in-person attendance has been limited. We invite you to participate in the service virtually by joining via zoom (link listed below). https://zoom.us/j/96971270826?pwd=UWp1bXczRGNtU3RESnRqL2F4dTdGZz09

Michael John Blaylock

September 21, 1962 - January 30, 2021