Robert Blanchard

Robert Eugene Blanchard was born on September 1, 1930 in Ethel, Washington to Albert and Elnora Blanchard. He was a disabled Air Force veteran of the Korean War.  He had family and religious ties to the first settlers in Salt Lake City. He worked as a long haul trucker, carpenter, taxi driver, and delivery man until he was retired with additional disabilities. He died on November 5, 2010 at his home with his wife at his side.    Bob had many interests, he loved a good story or joke, he was a sketch artist, photographer and poet, he liked opera to pop, he loved hunting and fishing, he participated in or watched all sports individual and team, he loved to play Hearts or Poker.  He was a stunt kite flyer and loved model trains. Bob raised pheasants and Koi. Reading, especially Westerns, and watching Western movies was a favorite pastime.  He was a private airplane pilot and captained his own boat all over Puget Sound.  He drove a car or RV in all 50 states and all but one Canadian Province.  He traveled to over 100 foreign countries for pleasure and had been on 6 continents.  Animals were very special to Bob, he loved his pets and respected all wildlife. He was a seeker of truth and beauty and will be greatly missed.    Bob is survived by his wife Sonia; three sons Robert, Bob, and Craig; two brothers John and Mike and a very special son in law Dale Reichert and Dale's daughter Briauna.    At his request there will be no services, his ashes along with those of his Russian Wolfhound will be scattered near Riderwood, Washington where he spent some of his youth.  Memorial donations may be made to the World Wildlife Fund, Kitsap Humane Society or the Nature Conservancy.  Online memorial at www.rill.com