Obituary - Gordon Blanchard
Gordon Blanchard
1930 - 2022
With sadness and deep gratitude, the family shares that Gordon Beverley Blanchard, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Home - Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on Monday, February 21, 2022, at the age of 91 years. He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Margaret and his daughters, Rev. Diane Blanchard, Susan (Jim) Cooper and Laurie (Tom) Hermann. Gordon will also be remembered by his nine grandchildren and their families: Jeremy Spies; Nell Spies (Anthony Morden) and their children, Lola and Ella; Rev. Miriam Spies; Jill (Todd) Regehr and their children, Avery and Owen; Lisa (Michael) MacLeod and their children, Bennett and Juna; Kevin (Janae) Cooper and their sons, Mark and Miles; Lindsey (Rob) Flurry and their daughter, Violet; Krista (Franz) Zemp and their children, Oliver and Josie; and Brennan (Pamela) Hermann and their children Milla and Alice. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, Myrtle and Leonard “Pete” Blanchard and an infant daughter, June. Gordon combined the vocations of farming at Whitla and teaching. He was passionate about nurturing community and cooperation among farmers at the local, provincial and national levels. Gordon loved the game of baseball and was fortunate to play slow pitch into his 80’s. He was a committed member of St. Andrew’s United Church in Bow Island and brought his faith and ethics into all aspects of his life and work. A Celebration of Gordon’s life will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church, 139 - 2 Avenue West, Bow Island on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Junior Smith officiating. Masks are mandatory for those attending. A time of fellowship will follow at the Golden Age Club, 206 - 5 Avenue East, Bow Island. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Andrew’s United Church Memorial Fund are welcome.
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Dave and Karen Smith:
Feb 23, 2022 at 11:46 AM
Sincere condolences in your loss. Our prayers.
Russ & Pat Horne:
Feb 23, 2022 at 04:43 PM
Margaret,
We are sorry to hear of Gordon's Passing.
The memories we shared playing ball are
ones treasured for a lifetime.
Grace Everett (nee Scott):
Feb 23, 2022 at 05:52 PM
Margie, I was so sorry to read of Gordon's passing. I have many good memories of the two of you, among them Gordon's toast to the bride at my first wedding.
John and Penny Hopkins:
Feb 23, 2022 at 06:40 PM
Hello Blanchard Family, we are very sorry to hear that Gordon has passed away. Our condolences to all of you, I haven't seen Gordon for a few years but have fond memories of working with him on church business. He was a very community minded person and a steady voice wherever he found himself
Rose Gechter:
Feb 23, 2022 at 07:01 PM
So sorry Margie & family for your loss, we had many a great chat at the Whitla dances & school picnics.
Prayers & Love, Rose Gechter..
Norm and Carrie Hopkins:
Feb 24, 2022 at 09:35 AM
To the Blanchard family. Our deepest sympathies to your family on the passing of your dad. Gordon will be fondly remember for all his activities in and around the Bow Island area. I most remember him most as a player, coach and umpire on the baseball diamonds. Always a strong and fair competitor quick to mentor when needed. He will be missed.
Kathy Nixdorf:
Feb 24, 2022 at 09:10 PM
My deepest sympathies in the passing of your husband, dad and grandpa. I always had the greatest respect for Gordon. He was so community minded and I truly enjoyed working with him on summer games committees. May your memories comfort you.
The Rev. Richard Worden:
Feb 25, 2022 at 10:38 AM
Extending to you my thoughts and prayers on learning of Gordon's passing.
Jacquie & Terry Doran:
Feb 25, 2022 at 01:54 PM
To Gordon’s Family,
Our sympathy to you all. Take care…….Jacquie & Terry
Brian Kerner:
Feb 25, 2022 at 04:09 PM
I am sorry to hear of Gordon's passing. You have my deepest sympathies at this time.
Edward M Hofer:
Feb 25, 2022 at 11:48 PM
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Edward Hofer
Jenner Colony
Heather Petrie:
Feb 26, 2022 at 08:53 AM
This site would not support a picture so I posted on Echovita obituaries site
"Good Men meeting up on the other side!" Marg knew he was a keeper...a 70 year keeper :) Hugs to all!
Gordon and Dianne Schneider:
Feb 26, 2022 at 01:44 PM
Dearest Mrs. Blanchard, we are so sorry for your loss. Anyone who knew Mr. Blanchard was most fortunate. My Dad always spoke so very highly of him. We're thinking of you and your family now and in the days ahead and hoping you find strength, comfort and peace. Prayers and Our Heartfelt Sympathy
Sheila McLeod:
Mar 10, 2022 at 12:43 AM
Dear Margie and family, Grant and I will always remember Gordon with affection and respect. We appreciated his and Margie's hospitality and enthusiastic participation in church and community life in Bow Island. I particularly enjoyed his kindness and practicality, for example driving with him to Taber for presbytery to serve on the Joint Search Committee there. How interested we were to help interview a ministry candidate, then living in Botswanna, on-line! Imagine the changes in technology and communication Gordon experienced and embraced during his life time. And what a pleasure for Grant to be involved in slow pitch for a short period with Gordon. May it bring you comfort to remember Gordon's great faith and the certainty he remains, as ever, upheld by God's Spirit.
Donna Van Waes ( nee Dunn):
Mar 20, 2022 at 04:58 PM
Hello Dear Blanchard Family, Margaret, Diane, Laurie and Susan, I just learned of your husband and your Dad’s passing from my sister Nancy, two days ago. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to you all ! I have many memories of your family from our times living in the Whitla Community, and the ball games and fall suppers! It sure does take a village to raise a child! I am so grateful to have in my possession the 2008 Bridging the Generations book, which Gordon and Margaret worked on. It will be passed on to my three children someday. Sending you all much love, Donna Van Waes (Dunn) of Calgary