M. Bledsoe, Treasurer in Oceanside, Dies

Marvin Bledsoe, Oceanside’s city treasurer and a longtime civic leader, died of a heart attack at his weekend home in Palm Desert early Friday. He was 69.

Bledsoe, a retired businessman and real estate investor, had planned to attend a Chamber of Commerce retreat in Palm Springs over the weekend. He and Councilman Walter Gilbert, a close political ally, had traveled to Bledsoe’s vacation home a day early to lay new carpet, city officials said.

Bledsoe was elected city treasurer in April, 1984. Less than a year later, he announced his intention to resign on the advice of his doctor, who believed the position was too stressful for a man with a heart condition.

Instead, the City Council offered to hire an investment officer to manage Oceanside’s $56-million portfolio and ease Bledsoe’s workload. The new position has not yet been filled and Bledsoe had retained many of his duties.

Bledsoe was a decorated fighter pilot who flew more than 40 missions in World War II. He later authored a book about his wartime experiences, “Thunderbolt: Memoirs of a World War II Fighter Pilot.”

Oceanside Housing Director Richard Goodman, who regarded Bledsoe as a grandfather and was the treasurer’s frequent golfing partner, described him as “a man who believed you could do anything if you worked hard enough.”

Goodman said Bledsoe had been active in local politics since moving to Oceanside about 15 years ago.

Bledsoe is survived by his wife, Harriett; three daughters, Marva Bledsoe Chriss and Janet Bledsoe Lacy, both of Oceanside, and Barbara Bledsoe, and four grandchildren.

No funeral services are planned. Family members asked that donations be sent to the Women’s Resource Center in Oceanside.