Jeffrey VanCleve Bloom, 45, died peacefully at his home in Langley on Dec. 3, 2006.

He was born at UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif. on Nov. 13, 1961. He lived in Los Angeles for more than 19 years.

Jeff moved to the Pacific Northwest and knew he was meant to live here. Jeff had many jobs during his life. He worked as a caretaker on an estate in Nantucket, as a waiter and bartender in Yosemite, and as a ranch hand at an ostrich farm in Oregon. His primary occupation was working as a handyman. He loved working with his hands and could do anything he set his mind to.

He loved the out-of-doors and he loved animals, especially black Labs.

He was genuinely interested in older people and encouraged them to talk about their life experiences. He was generous and liked to help people whenever he could.

He was a voracious reader, especially non-fiction. He was highly intelligent. He was interested in many of the great issues and injustices concerning humanity and did not have all of the answers, but did ask the right questions. He had a passion for music and uplifting pieces and heart-rending songs were his favorites.

He had strong ties to a core group of lifelong friends and relatives.

Jeff frequently walked to the beat of a different drummer due to personal struggles.

Jeff is survived by his mother Linda Carlson and his maternal grandmother Francine Tremblay, both of Everett; by his uncle Lewis Carlson of Mill Creek; his cousins, Debbie Carlson-Gould of Bothell and Laura Bradley of Port Orchard; by his best friend Russ McFarland of Austin, Texas, his Aunt, Tami Little of Modesto, Calif. and their family members. His father preceded him in death.

Jeff was and is loved. Rest in peace.

Jeff requested no formal funeral services be held. Cremation was held with private family internment to follow. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.