Larry Arthur Blanchard

Larry Arthur

Blanchard



Larry A. Blanchard, 71, passed away suddenly on June 25, 2009 at Pershing County Hospital in Lovelock, NV. He was born on December 14, 1937 to Irvin Blanchard and Frances "Pat" Waller Blanchard.

Larry was born in Fallon, NV, but moved several times while growing up, until finally settling in Lovelock his sophomore year of high school, where he graduated from Pershing County High School in 1955. All of his life he enjoyed the outdoors, especially the countless hours he spent on horseback in the Nevada desert gathering cattle. He treasured the many hunting, fishing, and camping adventures with his family.

In 1956, Larry's love for his country and passion for airplanes lead him to the U.S. Air Force. After completing four years of military service (two of which were spent in Japan), he returned to Lovelock in 1960 where he spent the next 40 years working for Nevada Bell/AT&T. On No- vember 14, 1964, Larry married Doris Fatheree and they enjoyed nearly 45 years together. Since his retirement they have enjoyed their time as "snowbirds" in Mesa, AZ and traveling to visit friends and family. They recently took their trip of a lifetime on a cruise to Mexico.

He was involved in his community as a founding member of the Lovelock Jaycees, a volunteer sheriff deputy reserve, a member of the Pershing County Search and Rescue, and a Lovelock Racing Association Announcer. Larry and Doris also taught dance lessons to many in the community. He loved reading, going to the Reno Air Races, dancing, spending time with his grandchildren, and traveling with Doris. Throughout his life, one of Larry's biggest joys was airplanes. His passion for airplanes was fulfilled with his time spent volunteering at the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing in Mesa. Over the last five years, he worked on restoring a World War II B-25 Bomber that finally returned to the skies for the first time in 40 years last month. For Larry, seeing that B-25 he had worked on fly again was a dream come true!

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Irvin and sister, Elaine Capurro. He is survived by and will be greatly missed by his wife, Doris; mom, Frances; children, Debi Armand of Incline Village, Jami Blanchard of Fernley, Lori Lively (Kurtis) of Alberta, Canada, and Chad (Amy) of Reno; sisters, Nova Vuksan (Ed) of Reno and Vina Donaldson (Dennis) of Lovelock; and his beloved grandchildren, Meloni, Mistique, Brenn (Jennifer), Alexi, Dayne, Alyse, and Kyle; great-grandchildren, Cody and Cameron, and numerous nieces, nephews (including two dear nephews, Charlie and Tate) and cousins; as well as many others that called him Dad, and whom he loved as his own.

Larry will be remembered for his kindness, patience, and love for his family and friends. His generosity and warm smile will be missed by all who knew him.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Larry's life will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 3 p.m. at the Pershing County Community Center in Lovelock, NV. A reception, provided by St. Agnes Altar Society, will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Larry's memory to the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing in Mesa AZ, 2017 North Greenfield Road, Mesa, AZ 85215 (480- 924-1940).