George Howard Blomstrom

He was born on April 7, 1933 in Mansfield, MA and was the son of the late Carl Hugo and Hazel May Wilson Blomstrom. He served in the U S Army from 1953 to 1955 at Fort Myers, VA as a CPL in Co. “C”, “The Old Guard” and the “Presidential Honor Guard”.

Upon discharge from the military, he went on to receive a Forestry degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1958. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.

Mr. Blomstrom worked as a Forester for the US Dept. of Agriculture from 1958 until his retirement in 1989. He served in the capacity of Forester, Ranger, Auditor, District Ranger, and Staff Officer in the National Forests of Texas, Tennessee, New Mexico, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, Louisiana and Virginia.

He was an active member of The Rotary Club of Rockingham County where he received special recognition (Paul Harris Fellow) for his International Service for the promotion of education and culture with developing countries in Eastern Europe (1992-2006). He also received honors as the first “professional associate” of the William R. Nelson Institute for Public Affairs through James Madison University (1999).

He was also a member of several local and civic organizations including, The Chamber of Commerce; BEAP (Business Education Assistance Program Inc.) – a joint effort of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County to aid and assist developing countries) and, in 1991, he served as their Director and President; SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives), Chapter #427, providing confidential business counseling and hosting workshops; Elks Lodge #450, AmVets Post #7, and most recently, American Legion Post #188.

George was united in marriage in November 1975 to Vera M. (Patton) (Mayfield) Blomstrom, who survives. Also surviving are a sister, Doris M. Petersen of NH and several cousins; George’s first wife, Janice (Cockburn) Blomstrom of FL, and their three sons, William C. Blomstrom and wife, Christa, of Newport News, VA, Jason H. Blomstrom of Harrisonburg, Eric T. Blomstrom and wife, Gina, of Clermont, FL; a step-son, Michael R. Mayfield and wife, Kristin of CO; five grandchildren, Sean, Caitlin and Delaney Blomstrom; and Kai and Kori Mayfield.

George was preceded in death by an older brother, William in 2007.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg with Chaplain Tom Yoder officiating. Following the service, the family invites friends and acquaintances to gather for a light reception and a “celebration of George’s life”. Those wishing to do so are encouraged to share their memories of George. Private burial will be at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice or the Harrisonburg Rescue Squad.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.