Gerald David Blanc

1945 - 2024

Gerald David Blanc

October 13, 1945 - March 25, 2024

Boise, Idaho - Gerald Blanc left us on March 25, 2024. So, let's talk about him for a few moments. What kind of man was he? Was he a good man, yes, was he a kind man, yes, was he an honest man, yes, was he a hard worker, yes, was he a gentleman, yes…..all the attributes of hopefully most people. What we need to look at is, the "other things" he left us with. He left us with an example to follow when you have a goal you want to reach, keep at it, learning, studying and practicing until you reach that goal.

Example: He wanted to learn to sail. Bought a Catalina 22 and off he went. Read every magazine available on the subject over and over, talked to experienced sailors and practiced. From someone who, started his first regatta going the wrong way at the starting line to someone who finished third in the Catalina 22 National Regatta at Lake Cascade, goal accomplished.

Example: Fell in love with skiing…..learned the basics and practiced, over and over and turned his passion into a career at Bogus Basin on the Pro Patrol and as ski instructor, and traveled with the Freestyle Tour across the states and Europe.

Example: He wanted to restore vintage motorcycles. Brought his first one home in parts and pieces in plastic tubs. Having learned body and paint work from his Dad, Jack, helped. He searched for missing parts, worked for many hours because each piece had to be absolutely right. Result, three beautifully restored vintage BMW motorcycles…they were his babies.

Example: Remodeling a house that was built in the forties. The skills he learned working in the building boom years before paid off. Everything he did had to be meet his high standards. Never a "that's close enough" "that'll have to do"….it had to be just right.

These are just a few examples of the "other things" he left us with; there are many more. He left the lesson of patience, determination, setting goals and accomplishing those goals.

One more side of Gerald….. his love of his family. When he proposed to Kay, he said " I have to tell you, I don't know who I love more, you or Jacob." His example of a good man was a significant and stabilizing influence on a ten year old boy. Hopefully, the friends he has made in every phase of his life will remember and share those memories with other mutual friends. So, Gerald David……"Ski Artiste and Part-time Race Car Driver"…be off to your next adventure.

Fly high and know we love you, and Gerald, thank you.