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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Blake Nordstrom discloses cancer diagnosis, plans to keep working through treatment

Blake Nordstrom has worked in the family retail business for more than 40 years. (Erika Schultz / Seattle Times)
By Benjamin Romano Seattle Times

Blake Nordstrom, co-president of the Seattle-based retailer that bears his family name, disclosed Monday he has been diagnosed with lymphoma.

Nordstrom, who leads the company with brothers Pete and Erik Nordstrom, told the company’s employees, customers and shareholders that his cancer is treatable and that he and his doctors “are optimistic and encouraged by my prognosis.”

In a note filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Blake, 57, said he expected to reduce his scheduled travel during the next few months as he begins treatment, but otherwise plans to continue working during the process.

Blake, the great-grandson of company founder John W. Nordstrom, is the company’s principal executive officer and a member of its board of directors. He has worked in the family business for more than 40 years.