BLANDFORD – Jan H. Boomsma, “Boomer,” age 73, (1949 – 2022) passed away at home on Saturday, May 14, 2022.
The only son of Henry and Winifred Boomsma and adopted son of Elizabeth Boomsma, he was a 1967 graduate of Westfield Trade School.
After serving in the U.S. Army, including two tours of duty in Vietnam, he returned to Western MA pursuing a lifelong career in the construction industry. Jan was a man who loved a good challenge and had an innate ability to analyze and execute difficult projects. To his family he was the ultimate “fixer.”
At age 40 he became an impassioned, die-hard Harley man. Jan enjoyed traveling and took his family on several cross country trips over the years. He completed his ultimate traveling goal 20 years ago by driving the Alaskan Highway and reaching Prudhoe Bay and Artic Ocean.
Having been raised on his grandfather’s farm, he developed and never lost his appreciation and love of nature and the great outdoors. He was proud of his woodland retirement home he designed where he found much happiness and peace.
Jan is survived by his wife, Doretta, daughter Julie Boomsma, son and daughter-in-law Mark and Maureen Boomsma, and 5 granddaughters, Greta, Charley, Olivia and Penelope Boomsma all of Blandford; and his eldest granddaughter, Isabella Coughlin of Springfield.
Care is entrusted to Colonial Forastiere Funeral & Cremation, and there will be no services and burial will be private. www.forastiere.com.
