Dr. Kenneth Bloome

Kenneth A. Bloome, Ph.D, M.D. Dr. Ken Bloome, of Santa Cruz, California, left the world a little better than he found it. He is fondly remembered by a wide circle of friends and family. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Christine, his daughter, Jennifer of Chico, CA and two brothers, Chet (Sandra) of Palm Springs, CA and Marc (Geri) of New York City. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Jacques. Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1938 to immigrant parents, Judith and Cleo Bloome, Ken moved to Los Angeles with his family in 1947. Following his graduation from college, Ken had planned to join the Peace Corps. However, during college he held a summer job at Lockheed Aircraft doing dolphin research. This project included research for the U.S. Navy in the Sea of Cortez where he met Professor Ken Norris of U.C.L.A. and later of U.C.S.C. This serendipitous meeting led to a lifelong friendship and an offer from Norris to supervise Ken Bloome's doctorate in which he would study marine mammals. Kenny not only received his Ph.D. in 1968, but he was also included in a story in Life magazine, pictured in a pool with a dolphin that had suction cups over its eyes to demonstrate that dolphins use sound to echolocate. With his new Ph.D. and a grant from the Ford Foundation, Ken joined Dr. Norris in Chile for a year's assignment as a teacher and researcher studying marine mammals. Ken then returned to U.C.L.A. for post-doctoral studies in neuroscience. In 1971, Ken decided to pursue a personal dream of becoming a medical doctor. After graduating from medical school in Ohio, he began his residency in pediatric medicine in Los Angeles. In 1978, Ken moved to Santa Cruz and began his pediatric practice in Capitola. In 1981 he joined the Santa Cruz Medical Clinic (now PAMF) where he practiced until 2000. In addition to his pediatric practice, Ken had a 37-year career working at the medical therapy facilities of the California Children's Services of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. These clinics serve children and young adults with neuromuscular disorders. He also worked part time for 20 years at the Cowell Student Health Center, UCSC. Ken became involved in overseas medical missionary work in 1985. With various medical teams, he made over 30 trips to Central and South America, Southeast Asia and China. The trips were focused on pediatric hand and facial reconstruction surgeries. His fluency in Spanish made him an invaluable member of the team. His wife Christine accompanied Ken on many trips and worked side by side with him. Ken and Christine shared a passion for traveling the world over, having many rich experiences in South and Central America, Mexico, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Morocco. They also traveled the United States and Canada pulling their "Silver Bullet" Airstream trailer as far as the Maritime Provinces of Canada. They loved visiting National Parks and camping throughout the Eastern Sierra. Being a strong believer in education through travel, Ken encouraged his UCSC students, his patients, and the children of friends to travel. For more than 20 years Ken brought his formidable talents and interests to the Board of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at the Long Marine Lab, a fitting tribute to his mentor, Ken Norris, who had founded the Long Marine Lab. A man of compassion and science, Ken Bloome helped create a better community with his energy, knowledge and skills. The family wishes to thank all of the medical professionals who have been so helpful to Ken. A special debt of gratitude is owed to his close friend Tam Holbert, M.D. who chauffeured Ken, provided companionship, and served as an advocate during Ken's physician visits over many months. Many thanks to Ken and Christine's friends and family who have provided continual love and support during this leg of the journey. Friends and family are invited to attend the memorial service at Temple Beth El (3055 Porter Gulch Road) in Aptos, on Wednesday, September 16, 2015, beginningat 11:30 a.m. A Meal of Consolation will immediately follow the service. Dr. Bloome will be laid to rest in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. 100 Shaffer Road - Santa Cruz, CA 95060 seymourcenter.ucsc.edu