Introduction

From Cyril F
Sadly today (27/9/2018) I received a message from Don Bloomfield's son Alex that his father passed away, peacefully, last night. I understand he is to be buried in Maldon cemetery and Alex will notify me of the details when available.

Update from Alex:
A JustGiving page for any donations to Don's favourite charity the RNLI has been set up as an alternative to flowers. The link is: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louise-roche . Alternatively flowers can be sent to the Funeral Director before the funeral - details below. If you intend to come to the buffet, please tell us via the contact the owner link to ensure adequate provision is made.

Tributes

From Geoff M
Sorry to hear this. I worked with Don in Iran on the IBAC project. Alan Tustin was the site engineer, Ron Chambers, Dick Owen and Martin Wager were the others. I believe I'm the only survivor of this motley crew. We used to call Don Mr. Pickwick (you would know why if you saw him at that time!). He was definitely a character, as were many of the members of Field Services. I will definitely have a drink in his honour later (we had quite a few together!).

From George R
Yes also very sorry to hear the news about Don. I came across him many times over the years and he was definitely a character. He was also a sailor and had an old wooden boat, very much from the same mould as himself. He was always thoughtful and considerate of others.

From Ian G

Don was more of a friend than a colleague. We met in the early 70s on the SAAF base at Devon in the (then) Transvaal. Don and his (then) wife Nina were bright, cultured people and together with their children gave me friendship and intelligent conversation plus a taste of family life that I was missing - and Don could never be accused of denying himself a pleasure!
Don wasn't very well in his latter years after a CVA took many of his faculties. I hope he's now up there (or even down there?) happily quaffing a celestial pint. RIP Don.

From Cyril F

It was sad to hear about Don, whom I have known for getting on fifty years.

We first met, as Marconi employees, in South Africa in the early 1970's working on a large Radar system; both of us being accompanied by our families. As far as I can recall we were together for a year or more and all became very good friends.

The next time we met up was in Saudi Arabia where Don spent quite a long time. I visited Saudi at various times and sometime stayed with Don in his villa - which proved to be a real education as Don was at that time known as the "Wine Baron of Riyadh" At one time I had the honour of assisting him bottling up an order of his vintage (four weeks not the standard three and in bottles not Jerry cans) for a certain Embassy Air Attaché!

Upon returning to the UK Don bought a house in Maldon and resumed his passion for sailing by virtually rebuilding an old 20ft Dauntless two berth yacht. This took quite some time and by the time I returned to the UK it was nearly finished but we got together and eventually spent many happy hours sailing around the East coast (Summer and Winter). Eventually Don bought a larger 25ft four berth boat which we sailed until we became too old (or wise) to sail. We were both members of the Maldon Little Ship Club.

Don was an excellent sailor and the story goes that in his younger days he and a mate built a dinghy and entered it in one of the races at Cowes Week – and won! He turned up to receive the cup dressed in baggy shorts and plimsolls amongst all the 'real', immaculately dressed, sailors. That's my Don!!

Eventually Don was forced to give up sailing but we still met up regularly for lunchtime visits around the local pubs and old sailing haunts and of course social events at the Sailing club. Sadly ill health forced him to move into a care home in Leatherhead close to his son, however we still managed to chat to him on the 'phone.

Don was pleasant, always helpful and optimistic and I feel privileged to have known him, and what a character!