Donald Doc Ivan Blanchard
April 21, 1926 - June 21, 2010
Obituary
Donald Doc Blanchard
Passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Monday, June 21st at 5:30 pm. Born April 21, 1926 in LaGrande, OR.
He served in the US Navy. After WWII, he married Shirley M. Beidler. They celebrated their 62nd Wedding Anniversary on June 12th. Together they raised 6 children, Ellen Lonnie Thomas, Steve Sue Blanchard, Susan Steve Hein Blanchard, Nancy Jamie Williams, Jeff Blanchard and Terri Duane Guscott.
In 1954, he began his career at Boeing, and retired in 1988. Don and Shirley were charter members of the Hoot & Hollers Square Dance Club and were active members of the square dance community for many years. He was the general chairman for the 1981 National Square Dance Convention held in Seattle.
He is preceded in death by his oldest daughter Ellen and survived by his wife Shirley, 5 children, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great-grand children.
Don enjoyed many hobbies including, electronics, planes, coins, square dancing, camping, and fishing. Don loved to tell stories and jokes to everyone. He always had a new story to share. Don will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him.
Memorial Services will be Wed, June 30, 11am, at Bonney-Watson in SeaTac.
For details please visit www.bonneywatson.com
Shirley and Family, Our condolences go out to you and the family. Don will always be remembered in the Square Dance community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
From the Sou’Wester Council
I Kathy grew up knowing Don and Shirely. He was a great man and I always thought of him as family. He is with Dad now and they are catching up and having good times talking about the “Good Ole’ Days” Square Dancing was always an important part of his and Shirley’s lives. He will be missed by many.
I love you Don and I miss you a lot.
Don was a great contributor and asset to the square dance community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you did to keep dancing the fun activity it is. You will be missed by many friends.
Our sincere sympathy to your family.
Old friends and specially square dance friends are missed but remembered with fond and pleasant memories. You may remember Charleen as Duitsman.
I’m very thankful that, after so many years, I had the opportunity to see Uncle Don last April. He was always ready to tell a joke and make you laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will be missed by all who were privileged to have known him. God Bless.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. I remember in my much younger years, going to the Blanchard house and remember what a great dad Don was. May you hold on to many wonderful memories.
He will always be Mr. Blanchard to me, that’s what happens when you meet an adult when you’re 12 over 40 yrs ago. He always had a story, something to show me, cool rocks, some electrical pre-computer, digital, you name it gadget, he never got mad and always asked you questions about your world. I remember watching him tinker, work in the yard and he could fix or make anything; so many memories my heart and eyes are over-flowing. I loved going to Hoot & Holler events; the national convention was amazing. I feel blessed to have shared my life with all the Blanchard family; so many holidays it’s impossible to count. May your days be gentle and your hearts peaceful. And very special hugs for Mrs. Blanchard; I can hear you say his name as you tell him to quit teasing whoever was special enough to be receiving it. God Bless, love you all, Connie
We didn’t know Don very well but his legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren who are admired and respected people!! We know he will be missed by all.
Wishing you peace and comfort in your many cherished memories, and strength in the love of family and friends. Our condolences to all.
Jan & Scott Surber and Family
I was blessed to know Don for over 3 decades. He was a very gentle man who had such a quick wit and a story to share. He would always make me smile, especially when he would try and teach me how to square dance when I was young. I like to think of him sharing his stories, square dancing and watching down on all he loved from heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Blanchard family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We will remember him with a toast around the campfire when we go on our camping trip in August.
Love, Bob, Joanne, Beau and Caitlyn Bullard
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Don was a good man. Our thoughts are with your family.
My Dad had a kind heart, and gentle sole. He had a mind like a steele trap and I truly believe he was one of the smartest people I will ever know. I applaud him for the life he lived, never a bad word or thought was spoken. I love my Dad with all my heart and I know he loved me the same. I already miss him greatly, but this is not about me. He is now free. No more pain or suffering. He can now see! I am honored to be his daughter. I love you Dad.
Yellow roses grow in heaven, Lord pick a bunch for me. Place them in my father’s arms and tell him they’re from me. Tell him that I love and miss him. When he turns to smile place a kiss upon his cheek & hold him for awhile, because remembering him is easy, I do it every day. There’s an ache in my heart that will never go away.
We miss him already!
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.” By Leo Buscaglia