Roger Bloomfield died peacefully of Multiple Systems Atrophy at his home in Contoocook, Friday, July 19, 2013. He worked at Lonesome Lake in 1962 & 1963.
Roger Bennett Bloomfield was born on April 28, 1944, in Milford, Mass. to Rachel and Roger G. Bloomfield. He grew up in Wellesley, Mass. with his brothers Eric and Peter and best friend John Mitchell. At Wellesley High School, Roger was a state wrestling champion and worked summers in the White Mountains as an Appalachian Mountain Club hutmaster.
In 1966, Roger graduated from Norwich University with a Biology degree and a commissioned in the U.S. Army the same year. He attended the Tufts University School of Medicine from 1966 to 1968.In 1968, Roger went active duty Army as an Infantry officer, graduating Ranger, Airborne, Jungle Operations, and Jumpmaster schools. He became a Special Forces officer (“Green Beret”), serving in the 5th and 10th Special Forces groups. He did a tour of duty in Vietnam in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, serving as a decorated rifle company platoon leader and earning the Combat Infantryman’s Badge for actions against the enemy. He was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1971.
Roger worked as a newspaper reporter and photographer for the Waterville Sentinel in Waterville, Maine. In 1973, he married the love of his life, Joy Child of Sudbury, Mass. He attended Northeastern University, earning a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1976.Roger started an engineering company with his brother Peter in Concord. Bloomfield Associates designed some of New England’s most prominent wood-burning power plants. He also served as a police officer in Grantham.Roger was a gifted and recognized rifleman, woodsman, photographer, horseman, author, historian, adventurer, father, husband, and leader. He was a true Renaissance man, adept at most any task a human may be called upon to perform, whether in times of peace or times of strife. Some people know a little about a lot, or a lot about a little; Roger knew a lot about a lot. He was a dynamic man of deep thought, quick wit, and decisive action whose watchword was honor. Roger cut an imposing and impressive figure and was the closest thing to Plato’s Philosopher-King any of us are ever likely to meet.
Roger is survived by his wife, Joy; children, Tom, Samuel, Jessica, Tracy, Christine Sweet, Dr. Lindsey Madden, and Michael Gornnert; mother Rachel; and brothers Eric and Peter.
A memorial service will be held Friday, July 26, at 1300 hours at the First Congregational Church at 1548 Hopkinton Road in Hopkinton.