Earl Quam

Mr. Earl Quam, 97, of Woodlake Country Club, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 31st, at FirstHealth Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Emma Helen Quam, and son, Peter Earl Quam. Earl is survived by his daughter, Lauren Emma Berry; daughter-in-law, Vincenzina Sophia Quam; grandchildren, Alyssa & Sean Berry and Stefan (Cassandra Ann), Sabrina & Blake Quam; great-grandchildren, Emma & Luca, and step-great grandchildren, Axel & Rayland.

Earl was born in Bay Ridge-Brooklyn, New York, to parents Barney & Karen, both immigrants from Bergen, Norway, and grew up with his older brothers, Roy & Howard, along the shores of the Long Island Sound. There, he developed a lifelong love of the water, often spending his time sailing and fishing - he even built and sailed a 14' wooden sailboat, following instructions from Popular Mechanics magazine. He was also passionate about cars, his first being a 1930 used Model A Ford with a rumble seat, which was only $50.

Earl, at 18 years of age, was drafted into the Army during WWII and stationed in Denver, Colorado in the medical corps dental unit of Fitzsimon's Army Medical Center. After serving his country, he returned home and enrolled in television school, where he learned how to fix TVs and movie studio projectors, later working for an electronic repair shop, and starting his own TV repair side business. Obtaining an associate's degree in electrical engineering soon after, he became a pioneer in a risky, new industry - cable television - in Greenport, NY. An engineer at heart, he designed, built, and managed systems throughout the northeast. He finished his career as Senior Vice President of Operations with United Artists, overseeing many systems throughout the United States. Earl truly loved his lifelong career as a trailblazer in the cable television industry.

A man of many interests, Earl was deeply involved in his community. He served on the board or was actively engaged with several organizations, including Toastmasters, Lions Club, Adjudicatory Board, Investment Club, and golfing groups; in addition, he created/ran the Woodlake E-Mail Network. A passionate golfer in retirement, he was affectionately known as “Eagle Earl” by his golfing ASGA peers and was even fortunate to get a hole-in-one.

Known for his positive outlook, fighting spirit, can-do attitude, and unwavering devotion to his family, Earl will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He was a kind soul and a true gentleman.

A private family gathering will be held to celebrate Earl Quam's life. Please celebrate Earl in the special way you knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Earl's name to the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to: www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com

Cox Memorial..."Serving GOD, by serving families in a time of need."

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