Walter Peter Blomquist passed away peacefully in Bastion Place, Salmon Arm, BC on Friday, December 7, 2012 at the age of 90 years.
Born in Vemdalen, Sweden on January 29, 1922, Walt came with parents Willam and Kristina, and sister Karen to Canada in November 1923,traveling across Canada to Malakwa, BC, stepping off the train, met only by fresh snow. In the early years, Walt worked in Revelstoke, then the Vancouver area, prior to the Second World War. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1939 and became skilled as a aircraft mechanic. After the war, with his brother Bill, he delivered sawdust for home heating in the Vancouver area, as well as cut shakes and worked in a lumber mill.
He worked as a lineman for the CPR, just before returning to Malakwa to log for Blomquist Bros Logging. He became a leader in Malakwa, responsible for major employment in the area for decades. Blwalt Holdings developed a subdivision and donated land to the community. Walt is well remembered for his love and respect for his family, and community, always available to give a lending hand, with a strong vision in helping where needed. A quiet man with a huge heart, a wealth of patience, he will be missed by all.
Walter is predeceased by his wife, Joan (died Aug 21st this year), and his sisters, Annie Condy and Karen Cochrane.
He is survived by his loving family; 2 daughters, Judy Johnston of Malakwa, and Coleen (Neil) Reiswig of Sicamous; 4 grandchildren, Hailey and Taren Johnston, Kent and Brennen Reiswig, his brother and best friend, Bill (Astrid) Blomquist of Kelowna.
A celebration of life service will be held in the Malakwa Community Hall on Friday afternoon, December 14th at 1 p.m. with Jack Bowers the funeral celebrant. Tributes will be shared by family and friends with Honors presented by comrades of the Sicamous Royal Canadian Legion. Interment will follow in the family plot in Malakwa Cemetery with daughters Coleen and Judy the urn bearers. Honorary Pallbearers are Neil, Kent and Brennen Reiswig, Bruce, Kent and Bryan Blomquist.
A reception, provided by the community members,will follow back in the Hall, allowing time for friends to continue sharing memories with the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Shuswap Hospital Foundation, Box 265, Salmon Arm, BC VIE 4N3
Email condolences may be sent to Walt’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Service, Salmon Arm, BC