Obituary of Charles K. Bloomquist

Charles King Bloomquist June 11, 1925 - December 24, 2012 CARRBORO Charles King Bloomquist, 87, of Carrboro, NC, died on Christmas Eve. Born in Dunbar, Minnesota, Chuck was the second child of George Wilhelm and Pearl King Bloomquist. He was preceded in death by both parents, his brother, Robert C. Bloomquist, and by his oldest daughter Marcia Bloomquist Wiggins Smith. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Helen Squires Bloomquist, of the home, his son George William Bloomquist of Palmdale, CA, his daughter Patricia Powell and her husband David Powell of Yanceyville, NC, his grandson Bryan Wiggins of Carrboro, NC, and his son-in-law Gary Smith of Honolulu, HI, as well as many dear nieces and nephews. Chuck, an Army volunteer during WW II, served in North Africa and Italy. He was assigned as a surveyor, but spent the majority of his duty as a projectionist, unofficially drafted for that duty when the commander discovered he had a civilian background in film. Upon discharge, Chuck continued his film career in the infant television industry, concentrating in the establishment of new television stations across the country, including the ABC affiliate station in Washington, DC, then known as WMAL. He eventually moved into the emerging field of professional audio-visual and multi-media presentation, where his work included editing and screening television footage for the congressional hearings on the quiz show scandals of the 1950's. In retirement, Chuck continued his passion for film by conducting volunteer presentations of vintage films of the 1930-50s at the Chapel Hill Senior Center and serving as soundman for Christ United Methodist Church, where he and wife Helen were founding members. For many years they also delivered Meals on Wheels throughout Orange County. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 26th, 2013 at 11AM in the Chapel at Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill, www.WalkersFuneralService.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, PO Box 2102, Chapel Hill NC 27514.