Ronald Bloom

1942 - 2016

Ronald Neil Bloom

December 16, 1942 -

March 21, 2016

Ron was the second of three sons born to Bob and Winona (Abeene) Bloom in Cottage Grove, Oregon. The family moved to Eugene where Ron graduated from North Eugene High School in 1961. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1962-1966. He married Juanita Limon in 1964 and they had two sons, Ron and Brett. They later divorced and Ron married his high school sweetheart, Susan Swetland, in 1972. They had one daughter, Katie. Ron died on March 21st of complications following illness and surgery.

Ron said he was lucky that he had two interesting careers. His first was with Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company where he worked his way up a management ladder until his early retirement in 1990. During his second career, he was employed as the Operations Manager of Facilities at the University of Oregon, retiring in 2009. He loved his work and enjoyed the relationships he formed throughout his working life.

As a younger man, Ron enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing, camping, hunting and fishing. In his 30's, he was invited by friends to crew on a sailboat during a regatta and that was the beginning of his passion for sailing. He was a 36 year member of the Eugene Yacht Club, serving as commodore, race committee member, sail school teacher, rescue boat trainer, and dock builder. He loved racing, day sailing, and cruising. He also loved golfing and attending Duck athletic events.

Ron is survived by his wife, Susan, sons Ron (Lori) and Brett (Andrea), daughter, Katie (Kevin O'Brien), his brother, Kevin, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry.

A memorial service will be held at the Eugene Yacht Club on May 7, 2016, at 2 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the Assistance League of Eugene Food Pantry, 1149 Willamette Street, Eugene, 97401 or to the Jim Skeen Youth Sailing Fund, EYC, P.O. Box 2751, Eugene, 97401.