MICHAEL JAN BLOMBERG

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MICHAEL JAN BLOMBERG

November 23, 1950 - April 3, 2023

My darling husband, Michael (Jan) Blomberg passed away quietly at home on April 3, 2023, after a lengthy and tough illness. He was the bright light that lit up my sky... A quirky, delightful, kind, unique man who left his special imprint on the heart of many. An exceptionally gifted executive in his chosen field, a talented drummer, an enthusiastic gardener, an experimental cook, a people appreciator, a clothes-horse, an armchair philosopher / political critic and most of all a protector of those he loved.
Mikey came into this world on November 23, 1950 in Walsall, Staffordshire, England. A few years later, his parents (Ted and Hilda Blomberg) made the decision to leave England for a new life in Canada, bravely getting on a ship and going to a new country with their little son in tow. Settling in Toronto, the family eventually expanded adding two more children (sister Melody and brother Paul).
A passion for music dominated Michael’s life from an early age and after learning to play the accordion (with both his hands and feet, no less!); he began to seriously study percussion. Drums were his thing...starting in school he formed bands with his friends and then later as a professional. As a young drummer he played in the Toronto bands Trax, Phoenix Rising and Image (this was the late 1960s/early 1970s).
Unfortunately, money doesn’t always accompany the life of a musician. Band mates came and went, each with their own creative vision and finally Michael thought “its time to get an education” - so off he went to Ryerson where he studied business and psychology. This opened up excellent new opportunities for him and soon he was snagged by the Canadian division of Kodak where his career trajectory included working in the engineering, military and sales portfolios. He earned numerous accolades and awards over his 28-year career and made it to almost every state and province during the course of business.
Retirement beckoned in 2009 and this provided an opportunity for Michael to pursue another huge passion - travel! But he wanted to wait until wifey could retire and join him, so Michael got a jobette with West Jet in customer service. “I always wanted to see what was behind those doors at the airport that said “do not enter”. And of course in his consistent fashion set out to charm and bond with all he met.
Finally, Rona retired and the world overseas was enthusiastically explored with a few return visits to the home country (England), travels through Italy, a jaunt to Paris, the entire Caribbean, a cruise from New York, stays in many Mexican locations, the favourite being Mazatlan. There were more places on the bucket list but unfortunately time ran out for Michael.
Michael (Woody) is survived by his beloved wife Rona; brother Paul Blomberg; brother-in-law Paul Wenn (Melody dec.) and nieces, Sarah (J.R.) and their family, and Andi and her family; brother-in-law Terry Minard (Athena) and family; favourite U.K. family cousins, Den (dec.) and wife Gill and family; cousin Michael (Mick) and wife Sandra and family; Sharon (Mark) Graham and family and Dennis Bowen (Pam).
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 15, at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, located on 1291 McGillivray Blvd., Winnipeg, Manitoba.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to a charity of your choice. Michael liked the Winnipeg Humane Society and Siloam Mission. Also, please give your spouse or significant other a huge hug as you never know what life may throw your way.
Very tender thanks, much love and gratitude to all of our dear friends/family during these difficult last few months - in particular, Dolores Lindsay; Julie Currie and Chuck Leibert; Shaun and Marina McCaffrey; Marie Reid; cousin Joanne Friesen; cousins, Gerry, Rog and Doug Friesen; Joanne Prygrocki; Karen and Joey Dutkevich; Barb and Ken Webb; Wendy and Joe Templeman; Debbie and Harold Dueck; Laurie and Sheldon Peddle; Alison and Harold Thomson; Amelia and Les; the Tim’s Group and their spouses (especially LeRoy and Christel; Alex and Sue; Albert and Jean; Dusty and Linda and all the rest whose names I can’t remember right now). I’m sure I’ve forgotten someone, but please don’t be upset folks...the Johnston/Blomberg household so appreciates all your love and support this year.”

THOMSON “IN THE PARK”
204-925-1120
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 12, 2023