Wrangell Sentinel -

Keith G. Bloom, 91, passed away March 26, 2016 in Gresham Ore.

He was born in Blatchly, Ore. on August 24, 1924. His family moved to Minocquia, Wis. for a period of time before returning to Sandy, Ore. in 1941. He met Mildred Thruston in the Portland Ore. area, and on August 8, 1951 they were married.

Keith was a 4-year veteran of WWII which he spent in the navy in the South Pacific.

Keith had moved to Alaska in 1948 (being joined there by Mildred after their marriage), originally working in Hood Bay. Following this, he and a partner ran a river boat up the Stikine River to Telegraph, Canada.

Turning to logging, Keith worked for Art Heibert on Vank Island, near Wrangell. Deciding to strike out on his own, he acquired some equipment and houses from Art Heibert and began an independent logging career - an occupation he maintained until he retired in 1986. During that time he took his camp to various places in SE Alaska, many of them in the Prince of Whales Island area. While residing at Bloom Log in whatever location it happened to be, he would also fly in and spend time at his residence in Wrangell, where he lived permanently after his retirement.

Keith enjoyed traveling, and blessed his family with frequent winter trips to Hawaii. But he ranged farther afield as well, for he and Mildred enjoyed a trip to Europe, where they were able to visit many of the countries, later taking a cruise through the Panama Canal. After Mildred had passed away in 2004, he and one of his sisters travelled to Egypt.

Keith enjoyed young people, and was ever ready to offer support when they came by the house, whether selling Queen tickets, Girl Scout cookies, or about some other program. He was also a very dedicated church member.

Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred E. Bloom, his brother Clarence Bloom, and sister Shirley Goodwin.

He is survived by his sister Vivian Campbell, his son Willie Bloom, his two daughters, Barb Moyer and Andrea Kizziar, three granddaughters and five great grandchildren.

A family service was held at graveside on April 1, 2016.

Memorial contributions may be made to a children's charity of your choice.