Donald Blanchard

1931 - 2025

Donald Blanchard

Henniker, NH -

The kind and faithful heart of Donald Graham Blanchard, age 93, went to rest among family on January 3, 2025. He was born October 29, 1931, to Donald T. and Jean F. (Paul) Blanchard of Canterbury, NH.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gertrude Ann Blanchard, his children: Matthew T. (and Rita) Blanchard of Hopkinton, NH; Dawn P. Blanchard (and Donald Goss, Jr.) of Henniker, NH; James A. Blanchard of Lebanon, NH: Jonathan D. (and Kimberly) Blanchard of Orcutt, CA; and Deanna L. Blanchard of Swan Valley, ID as well as nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren and two more on the way!.

He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, James Paul (and Vesta) Blanchard, and Alan Frank (and Elizabeth) Blanchard. Through them he leaves many dear nieces and nephews, and affiliated loved ones.

His life journey grew in many directions as he committed himself to family, community, country, and God. Shining the light of the Lord was a primary ambition. As a son, tide pool explorer, airman, husband, father, teacher, civil engineer, fireman, land surveyor, farmer, hunter and skier, he carried this light in his presence.

Joining the US Air Force in 1954, he left UNH, to serve in Japan. Upon returning to the US, and to UNH, he met his wife-to-be, Gertrude, while working on a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Civil Engineering and interning with the NH Department of Transportation. Don and Ging married in June of 1957. After having their first son, they moved to California where he obtained a Master of Science degree from the University of CA, Berkeley. Moving next to Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, Don got his first professorship with the University.

In 1963 he moved to Henniker to teach at New England College (NEC). He led an effort to gain accreditation for NEC's Civil Engineering program and taught his last class in the spring of 1996. He was a member of the Congregational Church for 61 years. He was unloading the moving truck when the Reverend Lewis arrived to ask if he would lead the Pilgrim Fellowship program. He served the Fire Department for over two decades acting as a Deputy Forest Fire Warden and later Assistant Fire Chief. He was active with the American Society of Civil Engineers and the NH Land Surveyors Association.

To commemorate his love of life and service to his community, calling hours will be held at the Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main Street, Concord, NH on Thursday, February 20th from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, February 21st at the St. Theresa Parish, 158 Old Hopkinton Rd, Henniker, NH 03242.

His remains will be buried at a private a service in Canterbury, NH later this spring.