Carl Blomgren

1936 — 2013

Carl Blomgren was born on January 30, 1936 in Seattle. He graduated from Garfield High School and several colleges and universities, including a year overseas at the University of Edinburg. In school, he played baseball and football, and took every math, philosophy and literature class available.

While often deliberate in his actions, Carl wasted no time in recognizing the love of his life, Marcia. They met in January, were engaged in February, and married in April, 1970. Soon thereafter, they moved to Vashon Island, to live “the good life” (a phrase that Carl repeated regularly and vigorously).

Carl lasted two days as an accountant in his dad’s business. Instead, he became a janitor, groundskeeper, teacher, coach, and tutor. He loved the natural world: he built his own log cabin from the trees on his land, worked tirelessly in the woods, and spent his life musing on the wonder inherent in our world.

Carl loved bikes, books, and baked goods. He was both simple and complex, finding equal satisfaction in a Seahawks victory and a volume of existential philosophy by Søren Kierkegaard. He had an insatiable thirst for life, learning, and daily naps. He was fiercely loyal to his family and close friends. Carl’s family includes his wife, Marcia, sons Anders and Per-Lars, daughter-in-law Alison, and grandson Soren.

Fueled by an intensely competitive nature, Carl feverishly coached baseball and wrestling. He valued courage, hard work, and selflessness. He never wanted attention or accolades for his good deeds — he would much rather credit those around him. Carl was a humble, compassionate man.

While Carl was a master with words — particularly the written word — many of the lessons he taught were through actions. “Don’t just talk about it,” he would say, without saying “do it.” Joseph Campbell writes that “the privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” This was Carl Blomgren’s silent, daily mantra. He was truly an authentic being of the world.

Carl’s life was devoid of fear; the idea of him worrying about anything was incomprehensible. This ideology included embracing of his own mortality. Carl was not afraid of death. He died July 16, 2013, on his own terms: quickly, on his own land, looking up at the trees.

Carl’s extended family includes his twin sister, Carolyn (Quiwie) Magnuson; sister, Helen Marie Westlund; brother, Robert Blomgren; brother-in-law John Markuson; and numerous, loving nephews and nieces. He was the son of the late C. Harold and Helen Blomgren.

He will be missed by all who knew him; he was a deeply caring, compassionate, and loyal man who touched so many with his sincere love and personal vitality. God bless you, Carl, and know that you were loved and will be remembered forever.

— Gathered by the family