William Arthur "Bill" Bloom, 57, Sprague River, died January 8, 2006, after a year long battle against pancreatic cancer.

Funeral Services were private and he was cremated in accor- dance with his wishes.

Mr. Bloom was born May 24, 1948, in Chicago to William Grant and Virginia May (Wright) Bloom.

He graduated from high school in Tujunga, California and entered the Marine Corps in July 1966.  After completing basic training he was assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squad- ron 364 also known as the world famous Purple Foxes.  The Purple Foxes deployed to Vietnam early in November 1967 and "Crazy Bill", as he was known by his squadron mates, served 13 months in Vietnam.

When he was discharged in November 1969, he had been awarded numerous medals, badges, commendations, citations and campaign ribbons.

Mr. Bloom then settled in Southern California where he worked as a photographer for Hollywood studios.  In the early 1990s, he moved to Klamath County, Oregon and worked as an adver- tising executive for the NBC television network.

He met his future wife, Carole Lee Purpuro, on the internet and, after an enduring close relationship, they were married on Feb. 28, 2005, at their home in Sprague River, Oregon.

Photography was his passion and he was also an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hiking, fishing the Sprague and Williamson rivers, and skiing at Crater Lake National Park.

He was an active member of the Crater Lake Ski Patrol and, while on patrol in 2002, survived being buried in an avalanche for 38 minutes, which was the feature of a Weather Channel Storm Story.  On several occasions, park authorities recognized him for his dedication and many years of service.

For a number of years he published his photographs for calen- dars known as Oregon Samples that he sold on his web site and at the Sprague River Station, a local restaurant.  He also sup- plied the restaurant with post cards, which are still available for sale.  His photographs gained best of show honors twice at the Klamath County Fair.

In addition, Mr. Bloom enjoyed jogging and running for exer- cise.  For several years he participated in the annual Crater Lake Rim Run.

He also enjoyed traveling with his wife, particularly their trips to Canada.

Survivors include his wife, Carole, of Sprague River; children Debbie Schneider, William Shawn Collier and Shelly Collier of Bakersfield, California; mother-in-law Pearl Purpuro of Sprague River and numerous other grandchildren, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He will also be missed and remembered by his many friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cancer Treatment Research Foundation, 1336 Basswood Road, Schamburg, IL 60173, or Klamath Hospice, 4745 South Sixth Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97603.