ROLAND R. BLANCHARD

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ROLAND R. BLANCHARD 1929 - 2006 The classic stories became few and far between. The hearty laugh gradually turned into a whisper. The precious smile began to fade. His dignity will be with us forever. It is with great regret, enormous respect, tremendous admiration and eternal love that we say good bye to a loving son, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Rollie Blanchard left this world on April 16 at the age of 76, knowing that his family was by his side like he was for all of us at all times and under all conditions, because that's the kind of person he was. Rollie was predeceased by his wife Hilda in March 2003, the love of his life from the old, but never forgotten, Pipestone days. He is also survived by a woman whose determination cannot be described, his mother, Annie Blanchard . To know him was to love him. We thank you Dad for the positive contribution you made to so many lives. David and Janet, Debbie and Rod, Lori and Doug, Jeff (Jessica), Mark, Lindsey, Carla, Jesse and Kody will always cherish all of the wonderful times we had together. A tough act to follow! Besides Grandma, Dad leaves behind three loving sisters; Evelyn (Freddy), Doreen (Eddie) and Amy, and two brothers; Maurice (Shirley) and Joe (Allison). As well, numerous nieces and nephews across the country had a special relationship with Uncle Rollie. And we, as a family, say tremendous thanks to Dad's special friend Rey. She was at his side when most of us couldn't be and we are so grateful. Rollie was born in Deleau, MB in 1929 and raised in Pipestone. He always had a working man's attitude and that never, ever, wavered. He started with the CPR and then moved over to his greatest love - the great outdoors. He became one of the most noted conservation officers that Manitoba has ever known. Today, he is remembered by those who worked with him for his personality and perseverance. From Sprague to Whitemouth from Riverton to Dauphin - and all points in between, Rollie will always be hailed as a guy who cared a whole bunch about the outdoors, and especially about those who he worked with. And he could make them all laugh! There are Rollie stories proudly told throughout the province. He also sung the praises of the men he worked with and asked that the names of several of them be included in this, his last memo: Stan Williamson, Bill McLean, Paul Rodd, Ken Hill, Hughie Johnson, Jim Davidson, Joe Robertson, Harvey Boyle and Ken Warkto name but a few. During his days in Riverton, he fell in love with Lake Winnipeg and that was a very special part of his life and stories. He was a sniper with his shotgun, he could hammer a golf ball like no other, and he even claimed that he could draw the button with his eyes closed. After retirement, one of his proudest moments was to coach a team of 12 year old under-achiever baseball players to the provincial championship. I'll never forget coaching those fine young kids to the Mosquito championship . Throughout their years, Rollie and Hilda brought a special touch to every community in which they lived, and they left with a very important connection to those villages and towns. This is something that will never be forgotten by us as we continue to foster, within our children, Rollie's love for Manitoba . He did us proud! The family would like to pay a special thanks to Dr. Krahn and staff at Cancer Care Steinbach Bethesda Hospital, as well as the wonderful home care workers who made dad's last weeks so comfortable. You gave us a gift that is difficult to describe in words, and we will always remember your kindness. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel. Rise and Shine Lake Winnipeg, one last time. We love you Dad. Arrangements entrusted to: Birchwood Funeral Chapel 150 Penfeld Dr.; Steinbach, MB 1-888-454-1030 or 1-204-346-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2006