In Memory Of
Delbert Bloom
Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, MT
End of watch: 1979-06-02
Aircraft: Piper Subercub
Game Warden Delbert Bloom and a department biologist were killed in an airplane crash in Chouteau County while conducting a goose survey.
The Piper Subercub that Warden Bloom was piloting struck several trees and crashed approximately 500 yards from the Marias River.
Their bodies were recovered from the wreckage the following day after an aerial search located the crash site.
Thoughts and Memories of Delbert Bloom
Del and I served together in the 8th Special Forces Group in Panama, 1965-67. Del always talked about his love for fishing and hunting. He couldn't wait to get back. When we all got out of the Army we stayed in touch for a couple of years but then got too busy and lost contact, just doing the usual thing of Christmas cards in December. It was devastating to learn of his death in 1979. Del epitomized the saying, "A friend is one you can sit next to on the couch for two hours, never saying a word, and at the end of the time you feel it was one of the best conversations you ever had." He was a believer in doing the right thing, stepping forward to fight for what he believed in, and in putting others ahead of himself. The world is a better place for Del having been here, and a lonelier place now that he is gone. May he rest in peace and know he is missed.
Ken Hall
2006-01-06
