John Clifford Bloomquist, 96, beloved husband of Myrtle (Hedin) Bloomquist, died peacefully February 22, 2021 at Jefferson House after a short illness. He was born on October 4, 1924 in Hartford to John and Borghild (Karlsson) Bloomquist, attended Hartford schools and graduated from Canton High School in 1942. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy 1942 – 1946, principally in the Aleutian Islands and Pacific Theater. Following discharge, he attended Hillyer College and Boston University, graduating with a journalism degree in 1951. Cliff was the consummate newspaperman, employed at The Hartford Times for 26 years as reporter, suburban and photo editor and assistant city editor. Following the Times' demise he was city editor at The New Britain Herald until his retirement in 1989. A passionate sports fan, especially of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, Cliff maintained meticulous statistical records and memorabilia of all major sports. As a hockey fan and newsman, he attended all New England Whaler home games, reporting for both the Times and Herald. His family was always a source of pride and he thoroughly enjoyed supporting his grandchildren through their musical, theatrical and sports activities. He and Myrtle lived in West Hartford and enjoyed travelling throughout the U.S., Europe and China. He loved old movies, flea markets, word games and watching all sports. He was a lifelong member of Emanuel Lutheran Church of Hartford and The West Hartford Squires. Besides his devoted wife of 69 years, he leaves two sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Natalie Bloomquist of West Hartford and Craig and Kathleen Bloomquist of Newington, four grandchildren, Linnea Bloomquist, Hannah (Mark) Kominske, Erik Bloomquist and Carson Bloomquist, a great granddaughter, Evelyn, and several cousins in the Midwest and Sweden. A private graveside service will be held at Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford, with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 311 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106. Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, West Hartford has care of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Feb. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Bloomquist

Sponsored by the family.

11 Entries

Jeff Daniels

February 22, 2022

My deepest condolences for the loss of Cliff, a gentle, steady force. Cliff was my editor when I was a young reporter refining my craft at The Times. So different from many other editors, he was a steady, calm and deliberate craftsman, who guided his often young staff to produce concise, fair and honest reporting/writing. He will be missed.

Jeff Daniels

March 10, 2021

Dear Family. Cliff, as I knew him, was my first editor when I arrived from Long Island's Suffolk Sun to join the Hartford Times towards the end of the 60s. He helped get me off obits, to suburban, and then championed my move to city desk. As others have said: a journalists journalist, even tempered, great mentor and just a quiet yet warm human being. He was a great friend to a new journalist, first coming to Connecticut.

Julie Veilleux

March 2, 2021

Dear Mrs Bloomquist, Gary and Craig,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Bloomquist. He was an icon on Fennbrook Road. He was our next door neighbor for 46 years. He was always pleasant and kind and just the best neighbor one can ask for. We will certainly miss him.
Love,
Julie Veilleux

Elmwood Dental Group

March 2, 2021

Elmwood Dental Group would like to give our condolences to Myrtle and family. Let us know if there's anything we can do for you.

Robin Ekwall

March 1, 2021

Condolences to Myrtle and the Bloomquist family. Cliff and my dad, Walter Ekwall, were great friends.

Robin Ekwall

March 1, 2021

Condolences to Myrtle and the Bloomquist family. My dad and Cliff were great friends.

ED LESCOE

February 28, 2021

Back in the 60's after a tour in the Navy, I was a freelance photographer wanting to sell photos to newspapers. I went to the Hartford Times, and
was introduced to Cliff Bloom

Neighbor Bob Singer

February 28, 2021

Gary and Family: My sincere condolences on the loss of your father. Losing ones parents is a milestone in life we must all face at some time.
John (Mr. Bloomquist) was a friendly face for me who took some time each time we met to ask me how I was doing personally in my life quest.
We would discuss various topics and reflect on the passing days as we enjoyed a backyard cookout or a birthday supper at your house. Remembering those days and encounters with fondness.

Don Noel

February 28, 2021

Cliff was my first editor at The Times, and became both a friend and mentor for many years. He was a lifelong model journalist. A proud legacy.

Robert E. Singer

February 28, 2021

John Bloomquist and I spoke numerous times at length about current events and family as the years rolled by. He was a gentleman and had a sharp mental commentary on most subjects. As his son Gary's neighbor, I was invited to share some family meals where John was always willing to take a few minutes to ask me how I was doing in my life quest.

Robert Sheldon

February 27, 2021

Dear Mrytle, Craig, Gary and Family,

I want to offer my heartfelt condolences for the loss of John. Although it has been over 50 years since my family moved from West Hartford, the memories of growing up on Fennbrook Rd during the 50’s with your family and neighbors certainly left an indelible mark on my life. It was a special time and John was definitely apart of that experience. I would like to believe that we are all better for that. I know he will be missed.

Sincerely,
Bob Sheldon

If you ever find yourself in Chicago, please pay a visit.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results