Newport Beach architect dies at 90

Blurock, a 1947 graduate of the USC School of Architecture as well as a University of Florence School of Architecture student, and tDP/architecture are also credited for corporate campuses for Allergan, Home Savings and Hunt Wesson Foods, as well as Far West Services restaurants like Coco's, Reuben's and the Reuben E. Lee.

Blurock was elected a fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1968 for outstanding contributions to the design and science of construction. He was also appointed to the California State Board of Architectural Examiners by Gov. Ronald Reagan. He served there for 13 years.

After Blurock served as a national director for the institute of architects, the Blurock Partnership received the institute's Honor Award for "historically significant design and achievement during the past 30 years." Blurock also received a lifetime achievement award from the AIA in 2009.

Blurock flew 62 missions as a P38 pilot over Europe and North Africa during World War II. He stayed involved with the 82nd Fighter Group Assn., attending yearly reunions, and organizing the 2011 reunion in Palm Springs.

Cruising and racing sailboats was also a lifelong passion for Blurock. He was an active member of the Balboa Yacht Club, where he served as commodore in 1963. He also named his personal boat, Blurocket IV, after the P38 he flew during the war.

He spent 27 summers aboard Blurocket IV, cruising from Bellingham, Wash., to San Juan Islands in Washington, British Columbia and Alaska. He was also a longtime supporter and board member of the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, and created its educational endowment fund in 2006.

Blurock is survived by his sister Florence "Betty" Hohwiesner; his three children, Thomas Blurock, Dona Jo Blurock and Edward "Ned" Blurock; his stepchildren Linda Berry, Bud Hileman, Mark Wilson and Daniel Wilson; step son-in-law John Kratz; and many step grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A private memorial will take place July 16 in Newport Beach with a P38 flyover to be enjoyed by the public.

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