Obituary of Ralph S. Blanchard

Ralph S. Blanchard Sr. (Babe), 79, of Saranac Lake died at his home after a short illness. Born at home in Paul Smith, NY on January 20th, 1930. He is predeceased by his parents Frank and Gladys (Newell) Blanchard, brother Earl (Bud) Blanchard and grandson Patrick Hlavaty. He is survived by long time companion Barbara Simonson, daughter Debra Gordon (Bill Nojay), sons, Ralph (Butch) (Susan), Roger (Amy), Christopher (Melissa), grandchildren, Kiva Gordon, Ryan, Kelsey, Matthew, Kevin, Sadie and Sara, sister, Nathalie (Totes) Nash, in-laws, Leanne Mose, James and Barbara Mose; John MaKay and Mary Blanchard and many beloved nieces and nephews. He joined the Army in 1950. He was a corporal of the Heavy Tank Company of the Fourth Infantry at Fort Lewis, Washington. He served as a ski instructor for his troops. He worked as the Superintendent of Highways for the Town of Brighton and worked as a caretaker at various camps in the area. Calling hours will be held at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home from 2 PM to 4PM and 7 PM to 9 PM on Tuesday June 9, 2009. A bible vigil service will take place at 8:45 PM on Tuesday evening at the funeral home. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Bernard's Church at 12:00 PM on Wednesday June 10, 2009 with Rev. Paul Kelly officiating. Burial will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery in Gabriels. Friends wishing to remember "Babe" may make contributions to High Peaks Hospice in care of the funeral home. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Lisa, Gretchen, Barb and Peggy, Kathy, Karen and Shelly. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.