THE REV. FR. R. JAMES BLOMQUIST

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THE REV. FR. R. JAMES BLOMQUIST On January 25, 2002, at Victoria General Hospital, Fr. James, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 63. Besides his wife Susan, he is survived by daughter Anastasia (Albert) sons, Christoper (Marie) and Michael; and grandchildren, Jeffrey, Ashley, Taylor and Jordan. He also leaves to mourn his mother and father-in-law, Jane and Ed LaFortune; his aunt Marion Eckrose; and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Leona and Alfred Blomquist. Fr. James was born in Escanaba, MI, and spent his formative years in Ironwood, MI, and Ashland, WI. He served honourably in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years. He graduated from University of Wisconsin and from St. Vladimirs Orthodox Theological Seminary in NYC. Following his ordination in 1971, he served parishes in Buffalo NY, Lublin WI, Detroit MI, and London ON. In 1979 he transferred to the Antiochian Archdiocese and founded St. Mary the Virgin Orthodox Parish in Winnipeg. In addition, he also founded parishes in both Omaha, NE, and Fargo, ND. As well as his religious duties, he was a respected and well liked member of the transportation industry in both the U.S. and Canada for many years, including an innovative tenure as Fleet Manager at MTS. Active in politics for most of his life, his sense of political, economic, moral justice never wavered and he was honoured to run as an Independent sponsored by the Communist Party in the 1996 Federal Elections. In 1994 he retired from the active priesthood due to poor health. He later accepted the pastorate of St. Josephs Polish Catholic Parish in Brandon, MB, and served there until ill health required him to leave in September, 2001. Jim was also an active amateur photographer, a passion which rekindled in later years. He was taken far too soon. He was many things to many people, however to us he remains a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. The family would like to thank the staff at Victoria Intensive Care for their kindness and compassion as well as the many prayers offered. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Polish National Catholic Church of Canada, 186 Cowan, Toronto, ON, or Victoria General Hospital. There will be a public viewing on Tuesday, January 29, at 1:30 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. A funeral service will follow the viewing at 2:00 p.m. also at the Chapel. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 28, 2002