William E. “Bill” Blurock, 1922-2012
Bill Blurock, who hosted the 2011 reunion in Palm Springs, died June 12, 2012, while resting at home after a month-long illness. He was 90 years old.
Newport Beach’s Daily Pilot ran a featured obituary. Read others in the LA Times and the Orange County Register.
Bill had been busy planning his 90th birthday party for late April, with a theme of “Around the World in 90 Years.” He assembled photos and a wall-sized map of his travels for his guests to enjoy. Upon falling ill, he postponed the party for mid-July, which turned into the memorial service held for him on Monday, July 16, at the Balboa Yacht Club.
After a smaller, family gathering for an interment at sea, several hundred of Bill’s friends were roused by a P38 flyover at 2:30pm, followed by an honor guard. Bill’s flag was presented to his sister, Betty Hohweisner. Tribute speeches were brief but heartfelt, by Bill’s sons Tom and Ned, stepson-in-law John Kratz, and Dean Quingyun Ma of the USC School of Architecture. Dean Ma asked how many present were architects. Dozens raised their hands. Bill Blurock had launched many careers.
Much conversation was about good times, and especially travel, shared together with Bill.
Many in the crowd wore his favorite Hawaiian-style shirts in his honor.
Bill’s 90th year, and his life, were celebrated like he would have enjoyed.
Newport Beach’s Daily Pilot ran a featured obituary. Read others in the LA Times and the Orange County Register.
Bill had been busy planning his 90th birthday party for late April, with a theme of “Around the World in 90 Years.” He assembled photos and a wall-sized map of his travels for his guests to enjoy. Upon falling ill, he postponed the party for mid-July, which turned into the memorial service held for him on Monday, July 16, at the Balboa Yacht Club.
After a smaller, family gathering for an interment at sea, several hundred of Bill’s friends were roused by a P38 flyover at 2:30pm, followed by an honor guard. Bill’s flag was presented to his sister, Betty Hohweisner. Tribute speeches were brief but heartfelt, by Bill’s sons Tom and Ned, stepson-in-law John Kratz, and Dean Quingyun Ma of the USC School of Architecture. Dean Ma asked how many present were architects. Dozens raised their hands. Bill Blurock had launched many careers.
Much conversation was about good times, and especially travel, shared together with Bill.
Many in the crowd wore his favorite Hawaiian-style shirts in his honor.
Bill’s 90th year, and his life, were celebrated like he would have enjoyed.