Daniel Rafael BLANCO

BLANCO, Daniel Rafael Recorder player, Dulcimer maker, Telescope builder, High Jinks dreamer. Born in Cleveland OH, Dan was the third of three children of astronomer Victor Blanco of Puerto Rico and economist Cicely Woods of Illinois. As a teen Dan moved to Tucson and spent summers at the Cerro Tololo observatory in Chile, where he made lasting friendships. In his early twenties Dan and friends started Sunshine Woodworks, making musical instruments and toys. From his thirties on, as a highly regarded and well liked Opto Mechanical Engineer, Dan contributed to many large telescopes (incl. MMT, SOAR, WIYN, SALT, & HCT, the world's highest telescope), culminating in his position as MMT Chief Engineer. In his travels Dan savored the beauty of all inhabited regions of the world, including Ladakh, Swaziland and Findhorn. He spent many seasons kayaking with his life partner in remote locations off B.C. coasts and had tales to tell of orcas at close range. He also loved sailing. In 2010 Dan bought the historic High Jinks Ranch in Oracle on the AZ Trail. http://www.highjinksranch.net/ Dan focused his ingenuity on renovating the ranch to make it a place where travelers could stop for rest and refreshment of body and soul. Dan created art in wood, clay and paints, did T'ai Chi, hosted dinner parties we will never forget, and opened his home and wallet to those in need. Throughout his life he stepped over what others might see as limits, exploring and learning ceaselessly, ever curious. In December 2015 Dan learned he had late-stage cancer. After 63 revolutions around the sun, on September 19, 2016 he left this world in peace, cared for and loved by his family of friends. He was preceded in his journey to the Pure Land by his brother, Victor; his sister, Merida; and his parents. He is survived by relatives, friends and a world that was fortunate to have him. To donate to the High Jinks trust, please email info@highjinksranch.net