Claude W. Blanchard Jr.

Claude W. Blanchard, Jr. MT. PLEASANT - Claude Wright Blanchard, Jr, husband of Mary Santos Blanchard, passed away on Friday, August 6, 2010, at his home after an extended illness. He was born on August 30, 1929, to Claude Wright Blanchard, Sr and Helena Igoe Blanchard. His entire life was spent in the Lowcountry; as a boy in downtown Charleston, summers on Sullivans Island, and during his young adult years at Fenwick Hall Plantation on John's Island. He graduated from Bishop England High School as did his mother, wife, children, and four grandchildren. Mr. Blanchard learned construction management from his father. He worked as Senior Estimator and Vice President for C.W.Blanchard Construction Company during the 1950's, 60's and 70's. He spent his entire career in the construction industry. Over one hundred of his projects can be found throughout the Lowcountry including Blessed Sacrament Church and School, Cathedral School, four National Guard Armories, Sullivans Island Elementary School, Charleston Police Station on Lockwood Blvd., St. John's Catholic Church, and the fire damage and steeple replacement on St. Matthew's Church. He worked as General Manager for Keating Roofing, and Project Manager and Estimator at several other construction companies before his retirement. Construction was his passion. He taught many to follow in his footsteps through his knowledge of the industry and his work ethic. He made many lifelong friends and was respected by his fellow contractors, subcontractors, and employees on his projects. The caption under his high school senior picture summarized his life, "He helped the world along its way". He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Santos Blanchard of 56 years; his devoted children; Claude W. Blanchard, III (Cathy) of Mt. Pleasant, William E.(Ned) Blanchard of Arlington, VA., Kathleen B. Smith (Greg) of Mt. Pleasant, Joy B. Ardrey (Brett) of Augusta, GA, and Stephen S. Blanchard of Mt. Pleasant. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Lee Blanchard, Lawrence Smith, Catherine Smith, Connor Ardrey, C. Wright Blanchard, IV, Michael Ardrey, Joseph Ardrey, David Ardrey, Brianna Blanchard, and Ali Blanchard. He is survived by his brothers Charles (Betty) Blanchard and David Blanchard, his sister Helena Blanchard McKay Vivona (Dominic), his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Gene and Yvonne Santos, Moot Santos, Jack and Judy Santos. He was predeceased by his brothers, James (Ned) Blanchard, Robert Blanchard, and Paul Blanchard; his sister-in-law, Ann Santos Henry and his brothers-in-law Fred McKay, William (Billy) Santos, and Jimmy Henry; his nephews Bruce Santos and Kevin Blanchard; his niece, Shavon Santos. The family would like to thank his caregivers of Senior Care Services (Paulee Lemmons, Janice Faircloth, Robbi Stanton, Theresa Gadsden, Stenay Davis, and Kim Gary) and Winyah Hospice Care (Erin Clements). Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Bishop England High School Athletic Department at 363 Seven Farms Road, Charleston, SC 29492. The Rosary will be recited Sunday, August 8, 2010 at the James A McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. at 5:00 PM. The family will received friend immediately after until 8:00 PM. The relatives and friends of Mr. And Mrs. Claude W. Blanchard, Jr are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM Monday, August 9, 2010, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. 766-1365. Mr. Blanchard's guest book may be signed online at www.jamesamcalister.com. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths