Max F. Bloom

Longtime Stringtown Road resident Max Foore Bloom passed away in his sleep on Sept. 9, 2015. Born in Jacksonville, Florida on July 30 1942, Max attended and graduated from Jacksonville High School and soon after joined the U.S. Air Force in 1961. Max was stationed at Naselle Radar Base for four years serving as a cook and even receiving the Airman of the Year award for his outstanding service. Max also met his future wife Patricia Keiski while at the Radar Base. After receiving an honorable discharge Max worked a variety of different jobs including yarder for Weyerheauser, cook at the Naselle Youth Camp, Doupe's Brothers hardware store, at the Sportsman Cannery in Seaview and at the Ilwaco Market. Putting his skills he learned in the Air Force to use, Max cooked at many of the local restaurants including Red's, Chuck's and the Chinook Restaurant. In 1980 Max bought American Century Trophy Shop in Ilwaco and began making trophies, plaques, name tags and medallions for the local area. One could travel from Ilwaco to Kalama to Elma, Wash., and see Max's work in the area's schools, restaurants and businesses. Max took pride in putting out the best product and at great price to everyone who did business with him. After Max retired in 2006, he enjoyed taking walks on the board walk with his dog Scotty and later Zelda, where he loved to interact with people. He continued to help out with the Loyalty Day parade, which Max had been doing for over 40 years. He also enjoyed scratch tickets and going to the Shoalwater Casino with his friend Fred. Another two of his favorite pastimes were playing gin rummy, watching Wheel of Fortune (which he called the "Vanna White Show") and laying in the front yard and taking in the view. Max was also a member of the Elks, Odd Fellows and Jaycees. He is proceeded death by his only true love, Patty, in 2004 and his parents Leonard and Ony Bloom. He is survived by his two sons, Randy and Cary, and his wonderful daughters-in-law, Terrie and Melanie Bloom; his longtime neighbor Louise Kemmer, plus multiple family members who loved him. Per his wishes no public services will be held, but there will be a small family service. Max was always proud of working and improving the town of Ilwaco so any donations in his honor should go to City of Ilwaco City Park Improvement Plan.