Wahkiakum Co. Eagle-November 1995 BLOMQUIST, John Byron Age 80, Skamokawa resident, died at home. He was born in LaGrande, Ore., to David and Anna (Johnson) Blomquist, and came to the local area from Portland 25 years ago. He served in the Army from 1942 to 1945 and was in the European and African theatres during WWII. He worked for Weyerhaeuser for 30 years, retiring in 1980. A mechanic, his last several years of work were spent at the Grays River-Fossil Creek Weyerhaeuser site. He enjoyed fishing and playing practical jokes, and was a member of the Seaside Moose Lodge. He and his wife, Betty, were married April 10, 1971, in Portland. She survives him at home. Also surviving are a daughter, Nadine Dean of Skamokawa; five sons, Bob, Phillip, Jerry, Melvin and George Wright, all of Portland; two sisters, Gwen Shackelford of Gresham, Ore., and Ettie Picket of Prosser; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces. Several brothers and sisters preceded him in death. There was a graveside service Wednesday in Portland. Dowling Funeral Home was in charge. Willamette National Cemetery-Portland, Ore. 28 May 1915-12 Nov 1995 (As transcribed by the Wahkiakum County Historical Society 2005 from original newspaper collection.)