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Henry Blatchford

1938 - 2025

Henry Blatchford obituary, 1938-2025, Palmer, AK

BORN

1938

DIED

2025

UPCOMING SERVICE

Celebration Of Life

Oct. 24, 2025

2:00 p.m.

Palmer Moose Lodge #792,

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Henry Blatchford Obituary

Henry "Doc" Blatchford passed away peacefully at his home in Palmer, Alaska, on October 10, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born on September 6, 1938, in Teller, Alaska, to Percy Blatchford of Cornwall, England, and Mae Herman Ningeulook of Shishmaref.
One of 14 children, Doc spent his early years in Teller, Nome, Sitka, and Seward. He graduated from Seward High School in 1957. In 1958, he began his career with Miner Rupp. He then was inducted into the Miner's Hall of Fame. After the mine closed, he worked on the North Slope beginning in 1969, spending 19 winters there. During summers, he was employed by Hermon Brothers Construction for 16 years. Known as one of the best operators in the union, Doc worked on the Pipeline and built ice roads and runways across numerous villages.
An avid outdoorsman, Doc enjoyed hunting, ice and sport fishing. He also commercial fished in Kodiak and Seldovia. Alongside his best friend Bert, they once won grand prizes at both the Seward and Valdez Fish Derbies, and boat together. He loved fishing trips with friends and teaching his children and grandchildren outdoor skills.
Doc also loved sports-playing basketball in high school and City League-and was a devoted fan of Valley Green Giants and Mat-Su Miners baseball. He also enjoyed game shows, pull tabs, and newspaper puzzles.
He was known in Palmer for his kindness, humor, and generosity. He took pride in his home and lawn and was always helping others.
Doc was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Tommy, Eugene, Ernest, Percy, Jack, and Sid; sisters Grace, Dolly, May, Gloria, Chris, and Ruby; son Dale; and daughter Isabella. He is survived by his sister Marjorie; children Henry (Waynette) Lax, Craig (Pat), Karen (Jake) MacDonald, and Glen; eight grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Peggy; brother-in-law Jay Holmberg; and many other relatives.
A service and potluck celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 24 at 2 p.m. at the Palmer Moose Lodge #792, 1136 S Cobb St, Palmer.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman from Oct. 20 to Oct. 22, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Henry Blatchford

Oct

24

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

Palmer Moose Lodge #792,

1136 S Cobb St, Palmer, AK

Memories and Condolences
for Henry Blatchford

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8 Entries

DON HOLLAND

Earlier today

Doc was a dear friend. I sat at the Noisy Goose for coffee for many years with Doc and others. I'm sorry I had not visited with Doc for a while. I miss him and know him as a kind and giving man.

Randy L Niesen

Yesterday

Doc and I shared some good times together while working for several of the same construction companies. He was a great person to know and was always full of laughter. I have known Doc for many years along with many of his relatives whom I had also worked with. I was born and raised in Seward where I knew others of his relatives whom I hadn't worked with also. It was a small community back in the early days, and the entire town was like one big family.

Kiana (Hampton) DePrez

Yesterday

Grandpa doc was the only grandpa I´ve ever known. He was the most genuine, thoughtful, kind grandfather I could´ve asked for. I will cherish our memories for the rest of my life. I love you Grandpa

Andy & Jenny Frye

October 20, 2025

We were next door neighbors with Doc for 12 years. He was always kind and friendly to us. Sending warm thoughts to Doc and family. The Frye's.

Donna Prewitt

October 20, 2025

So sorry to read this. I hadn't seen him in several years, but when I did, it was always the best visit. RIP Doc

Dawn Mcdonnell

October 20, 2025

Doc, What a great person , We all have been lost for words, Just letting the family know he gave us all lots of joy with his smiles and laugh , miss ya forever Doc, (My Friend) !

Olivia

October 20, 2025

I loved when Grandpa Doc would take my sisters and I out on his boat to teach us to fish! As a kid, one of the best parts of going to grandpas was our early McDonalds breakfast. Grandpa always made sure to get his cup of coffee.

Toni Diedrich

October 20, 2025

Doc was a friend of my father, Dick Diedrich, when our families would spend time together it was always a treat. Doc teased us kids and always greeted us with a big smile. I know his family will miss him.

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