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Bruce F. Quimby Hoquiam, WA QCWA # 16519 Chapter 4 |
June 06, 1916 - April 16, 2014
Bruce Freeman Quimby, 97 years of age and a longtime Hoquiam, Washington area resident died on Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at his home in Hoquiam. He was born on June 6, 1916, in Hoquiam to Minnie C. (Bruce) and Claude Freeman Quimby.
Bruce was raised and attended school in Hoquiam and following his graduation from Hoquiam High School he attended the University of Washington.
Bruce served with the United States Army during World War II where he was stationed in Alaska in the Signal Intelligence Unit where he intercepted code traffic from Japan and Russia via direct tele-type. He later transferred to the Alaska Communications System where he then became a .High Speed. code operator and served as a ham radio operator.
Following his honorable discharge Bruce returned to Hoquiam and worked at Quimby and Wilson Furniture that was established in 1903 by his grandfather. Bruce sold his interest of Quimby and Wilson in the 70.s or early 80.s and began yet another career as a real estate broker/appraiser and owner of Arthaud Land Real Estate.
Bruce was one of the pioneer families of Grays Harbor and well known in the community. Bruce was involved with the local YMCA as a board member and president, and was a member of the Hoquiam Kiwanis Club, Northshore Gun and Rod Club, Grays Harbor Board of Realtors, Elks Club and Chamber of Commerce.
Bruce enjoyed upland bird and duck hunting, golfing and was an avid fly fisherman. Bruce enjoyed the time spent over the years traveling in the Hawaiian Islands. Bruce continued his hobby as a ham radio operator all of his life and was a member of the local ham radio club and is known by his call to everyone he communicated with as .W7EMK..
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Minnie Quimby, his first wife, Lennea Quimby, and brother in law, Maurice Harlow.
Bruce is survived by his significant other of 34 years, Janice Riches, and his .daughters. that he loved as his own; Kelly Shields, Michelle June, Lorri Riches and second cousin, Howard G. Wilson. Bruce is also survived by his extended family; Jerry Shields, Scott June, Eric Hoffman, Wanda and Bob Moffitt, Jean Harlow, and their families.
Bruce will be missed by all his loved ones and all of those lives he touched both in person and over the many hours he spent on the ham radio.
In leiu of flowers memorials are suggested to be made to the YMCA of Grays Harbor Annual Campaign (Strong Kids), 2500 Simpson Avenue in Hoquiam.
Graveside service of inurnment with military honors will be held at the Sunset Memorial Park in Hoquiam at 11:00 am, Friday, April 25, 2014, with Pastor Steve Gaffney officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Washington National Guard and the rifle squad from the Aberdeen VFW Post 224.
Direction is by the Coleman Mortuary, 422 - 5th Street in Hoquiam, Washington.
