William "Bill" Doumit Bloomquist

of Port Orchard

Nov. 20, 1941 to Nov. 19, 2014

Dr. William Doumit "Bill" Bloomquist, longtime Port Orchard resident and local icon, native Washingtonian, died on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, hours short of his 73rd birthday, following a traumatic brain injury sustained 12 years ago.

Bill was born at Fort Lewis on Nov. 20, 1941 to Dr. Ernest Bloomquist, a local veterinarian and Sally Bloomquist, a nurse. They moved to Port Orchard when he was a small child.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dayna; and their four children: Melany (Steve Chobot) Bloomquist, Karla Bloomquist, Joe (Lindsey) Bloomquist, Willie (Lisa) Bloomquist and eight (soon to be nine) grandchildren; his two sisters: Kathryn (Pete) Holt, Susan Miller; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bill attended East Port Orchard Elementary, Marcus Whitman Jr. High and graduated from South Kitsap High School, class of 1960. He loved sports and played catcher for SK's baseball team.

He moved across the water, attended the University of Washington where he pledged Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, becoming house president his senior year. Bill met his wife, Dayna, at the Seattle Worlds Fair and they were married in June of 1964. Bill was accepted into the dental school program at several schools throughout the country, but being a loyal Husky, he chose to stay with the "purple and gold" and graduated from UW Dental School in 1968. He remained an avid Husky fan his whole life. He was able to start an illustrious dental career which spanned over 30 years. Early on, he was the president of Kitsap Dental Society.

Bill was a charter member of Port Orchard's Rotary Club (1973) and their second president. He started the Maynard Lundberg scholarship which exists today and goes to deserving high school students to further their education. He was active in the Port Orchard Performing Arts Guild and also with a group of local businessmen, obtained a charter to begin a local bank in 1989: First National Bank of Port Orchard, where he was elected chairman of the board.

When his boys, Joe and Willie, became of age to participate in sports, Bill never missed a game, whether it was football, baseball or basketball. He coached SKYAA basketball and South Kitsap Eastern Little League with a passion and was loved by his players.

He was a huge influence on his sons' sporting careers. Joe, attending the University of Washington and playing football under Don James from 1992 — 1994 and graduating with a degree in fisheries; a passion past on to him through Bill's joy of fishing.

His son Willie, reached the highest level in baseball, a current major leaguer of 13 seasons and counting — a father's dream.

Both daughters reached state and national recognition showing horses, where Bill was instrumental and supportive in their success.

His clinic, Woodridge Dental Associates in Port Orchard, is now run by his daughter, Melany, her husband Steven Chobot and an associate. Bill's second daughter, Karla, is also a dentist who owns and practices at SoundBridge Dental Arts in Gig Harbor.

Bill was an avid fisherman, clam digger, Alaska and North American hunter, traveler, history buff, golfer, sports fan and humanitarian. Anyone who knew Bill understood his zest for camaraderie, commitment to the "punch-line" of any joke and genuine joy of being around people.

Most likely Bill's proudest moments in life were his children's accomplishments. Each one showing reflections of his temperament and slivers of his mannerisms and personality: two successful daughters following his career footsteps; his son Joe, running Missouri River Lodge Fly Fishing in Montana; and son Willie, a current member of the Seattle Mariners. Bill's legacy will most certainly be carried on by his wife and children. His spirit has been missed for a dozen years but lives on in the numerous stories of his character by his many friends and family.

A memorial Mass is scheduled on Friday, December 5th at 1 p.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Port Orchard, Wash.

Donations in Bill's honor can be made to the Port Orchard Rotary Club, P.O. Box 616 Port Orchard, WA 98366. An online memorial and guest book can be accessed at www.rill.com.