Lcdr Richard O Blomquist

LCDR Richard O. Blomquist, USN, Ret., 86, of Hopeworth Avenue, Bristol, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2009 at Rhode Island Hospital.Born December 24, 1922 in Malden, MA, he was the son of Karl and Helen Cullinane Blomquist. He grew up in Riverside, RI, in the care of his Aunt and Uncle Alfreida and Sam Whipple. He was the husband of Dorothy Landstrom Blomquist and a resident of Bristol for 51 years.Richard proudly served 30 years in the U. S. Navy. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander while taking part in over 30 engagements throughout World War II and the Korean War. As an instructor at the U. S. Naval Academy and Officer Candidate School, he infused countless future leaders with his Can Do Philosophy and the verses of his favorite poem.Somebody said it couldnt be done but he with a chuckle replied that maybe it couldnt but he would be one who wouldnt say so til he tried.Richard took great joy in his large family including five daughters, Debbie Pansa, Dianne Blomquist, Dorna Randolph, Deonna Blomquist and Dale Sutherland. His eleven grandchildren include Laurea Pansa, Bethany Thacker, Jonathon Pacheco, Tawnia Pacheco-Hager, Tammy Pansa, Joshua Randolph, Cortney Lancaster, Andrew Pansa, Jen Gerrard, Derek Sutherland and Whitney Sutherland, his nine great grandchildren, Vaughn Byrd, Trenton Hager, Blake Ellen Randolph, Devon Lancaster, Aidan Pansa, Angela Pacheco, Emelia Pacheco-Hager, Lilliana Gerrard and Finn Pansa.To his family he was a Super-Hero, able to build or repair anything imaginable. Richard was always willing to teach and share, even if it meant explaining the finer points of Naval Architecture to a 7 year-old.He was a natural poet who could burst into verse or song at a moments notice. Yet he was still tough enough to give you five between the running lights: if you snickered too much. Richard was a lifelong sailor who passed a love to the sea to three generations of his family .His spirit will live on as each generation sets their lifes course armed with a song in their heart, a poem on their lips and a can do attitude in their mind.He was past president of the Hopeworth Association, a member of the VFW and the Newman YMCA in Seekonk.In lieu of flowers please send donations to Bristol Rescue Squad, PO Box 775, Bristol, RI 02809 or East Bay Food Pantry, 281 High Street, Bristol, RI 02809.Special thanks to the nurses and staff of Rhode Island Hospital who treated Richard with kindness dignity and respect at all times.