ALAN WILFRED BLANCHETTE

Condolences & Memories (30 entries)

• When I remember Alan, I see him as Zarastro in The Magic Flute on the stage in the Playhouse Theatre. Wearing a golden robe, he looked the part, and every time I listen to The Magic Flute's O Isis und Osiris, I see Alan larger than life. I remember him singing with the Winnipeg Singers, the choir members standing around the balcony at the former Young United Church. I think of him working his muscles at the European Health Spa in Tuxedo. I think of him sunbathing with those little red half-moon shields blocking the sun from his eyes. I see him on the deck of his house just off Osborne, trying to keep the wasps away from his steak by snapping at them with a pair of scissors. I think of the last time we were together: it was a hot summer's day. We lolled in a kiddie pool at the side of his house. Knowing I didn't indulge in alcohol, he had procured some non-alcoholic beer for me - which I hated the taste of - but had to drink to honour this thoughtfulness. He was the very definition of a gentleman. - Posted by: Robert Ramsay (Friend) on: Aug 01, 2016

• I just heard of Alan's passing, and I am dismayed. I met him when he was a student of mine at the University of Winnipeg back in the 1970s. He became a personal friend who brought a brilliant light into my life and that of my family. He volunteered to help me demonstrate ballroom dance to my acting students, and we waltzed around the room to The Merry Widow Waltz, then exhausted ourselves with Bad, Bad Leroy Brown. He was everything everyone has already said -- talented, beautiful, wise, friendly to a fault, always there when someone needed a hug (best hugs in Canada), and his passing leaves a big hole in the world. - Posted by: Sharon Noble (Teacher and Friend) on: Dec 27, 2015

• Like a candle in the wind. Alan's warm heart and glowing personality will continue to light up the lives of the many of us who knew him! I am happy to have been one of those individuals. - Posted by: Wayne Murray (Friend) on: Oct 01, 2015

• I am saddened to hear of Alan's passing. I think of him and see his bright smile. Good-natured and so richly talented, Alan frequently opened up his home to provide the men from Rainbow Harmony Project with valuable rehearsal sessions and sweet baking. My deepest condolences to Alan's family. A great man gone too soon. - Posted by: Tom Hack (Friend) on: Sep 30, 2015

• Alan...I will always remember your laugh, your larger than life personality and how much you knew about so many things - a human encyclopedia. One very talented man - an accomplished dancer, wonderful singer, great pianist, chef, gardener, painter...the list goes on and on. Thank-you for being a part of my life. How I would have loved to have met you so much sooner and share many more laughs with you. I will cherish the memories. With condolences to your family. Love Lydia, Gerry and Alannah Matte. - Posted by: Lydia Surasky Matte (Friend) on: Sep 29, 2015

• SO Sad to hear of Alan's passing. I have very fond memories of Alan , as a very young man, working the bar at MTC , singing with the Bunch of Grapes and dancing with the Royal Scottish Dance Society. He did all these things with a smile and a laugh and a big heart. I remember chasing all over Toronto with Alan, looking for a hat, not any hat but just the right hat and we did it all on public transport laughing all the way. I didn't see him often but will miss him. May his memory be for a blessing. - Posted by: Patty Margolese (Friend) on: Sep 28, 2015

• One day on a flight to Edmonton, flight attendant Alan apologized that there were no empty spaces in the first class section, then started the delivery of Black Russians even before take-off and continued for the rest of the flight. Had to put a stop at one point. Most wobbly airplane exit I have ever made. - Posted by: David Kroeker (friend) on: Sep 28, 2015

• Alan was a great friend and co-worker. We had a lot fun on layovers. He bought me a Camisole. His rendition of Old Man River was superb. Anne will miss you. - Posted by: Anne & Lloyd Place (Flight Attendant Friend.) on: Sep 26, 2015

• Alan, you made this world a better place with your kind heart and creative talents. It was always a pleasure to work with you. My condolences to your family and friends. - Posted by: Jennifer Cairns (Co-worker) on: Sep 26, 2015

• Dear Bill and family, Gail and Donald and families, My family and I were so deeply saddened to hear of Allen's passing when Bill called. Reading these tributes to him were so comforting to confirm what I always knew about him. He was always there to lend a helping hand, he helped me bringing food and comfort thoughts when my husband passed.You name it lend an ear, entertain you with hospitality and music, he was the master of all. He was especially kind to my mom Aunty Alice with visits. He would play her favourite song "Send in the Clowns" and at the end she would echo, Were Here! She will be there when he gets to heaven to hug him and greet him. How great will the sound be when his talents join the heavenly choirs. Beautiful Blanchette voices will echo in heaven. We will miss you more than anyone can ever imagine. Love Beverley Bettens, Michael, Randy, Jamie and Kevin and their families. - Posted by: Beverley Bettens (Cousin) on: Sep 26, 2015

• One snowy and cosy night in a small restaurant in Saint John's NL Alan and I were discussing pieces of music that could make us cry. My choice was Un Bel Di. Alan proceeded to sing the entire song in perfect pitch with his beautiful tenor voice. It was so spontaneous and such a perfect moment that I obliged him by crying. It will be a point in time that I will remember for the rest of my life. - Posted by: Victoria Stayner-Albl (Friend and co-worker) on: Sep 25, 2015

• I was so deeply saddened when I heard the news of Alan's passing.As I read some of the wonderful comments here I have a smile on my face! I had forgotten about Alan's big fur coat & how well he wore it! I was lucky to have been invited to dinner at Alan's home,there was no better Host. From the moment you walked in,it was a beautiful experience,from the cocktails & horderves to the main course & desserts,it was always exquisite,first class! The entertainment too was divine, how we loved to hear Alan sing & play his beautiful piano! Flying with Alan was always guaranteed to be a really fun time,lots of laughing involved! His sense of humour,quick wit & fabulous stories kept us all entertained! Thanks for the great memories, Alan ,you will be so missed ,XO - Posted by: laurie mutch (friend and co-worker) on: Sep 25, 2015

• The neighborhood is silent but another Star has joined the heavens! We are all sad that has Alan has left us. He was the spark that lit the whole street! Our paths crossed many times through the music and arts communities and we will all miss him dearly. We'll be toasting you from our front deck! Cheers buddy! - Posted by: Marnie & Bert (Neighbors on Aldine Street) on: Sep 25, 2015

• A life long friend almost from birth, our parents were close friends, spent many hours playing football, snowmobiling and just hours of kid time together. Spoke to Alan a couple of months ago, as well as his Sister Gail getting caught up. So many fond memories, never to be forgotten. Rest in Peace Alan, may we meet again someday. - Posted by: Brian Benoit (Friend) on: Sep 25, 2015

• This is very sad news. Alan was a very special friend. He was blessed with so many talents, and was so generous in sharing them. He did everything with such enthusiasm and style. We were so lucky to have him sing and entertain us with his music at our wedding. We enjoyed wonderful meals in his beautiful home, a fabulous host, who kept the laughter rolling with great conversation and before the night was over, a rendition of show tunes. One day I had mentioned to him that my husband was changing the roof on our home and lo and behold the next day who struts into the yard looking like he just stepped out of GQ, hammer in hand, but of course Alan. He was always thoughtful and wanting to lend a hand. I will always have wonderful memories of long NewFoundland layovers in our pyjamas sharing a glass of wine, painting my nails, and discussing every topic under the sun. Alan had his share of illness and accidents but he still managed to make you laugh when sharing the story of how it happened. He was always entertaining, making sure you were enjoying yourself. Alan had a huge heart, a larger than life persona and he made my life much richer because I knew him. He was a kind and faithful friend. His passing at such a young age is a huge loss and I will cherish his memory. God Bless you Alan. - Posted by: Pat Danylishin (Fellow Flight Attendant at Air Canada) on: Sep 25, 2015

• All of us who were fortunate to have Alan in our lives have lost a great friend. Alan, you were by my side unconditionally through difficult times. I will fondly remember all our evenings filled with laughter and great food. I will miss you so much. - Posted by: Ross John Brammall (Friend) on: Sep 25, 2015

• We were so sorry to hear about Alan....He was a wonderful caring man with a generous spirit and so very talented. All of us at Air Canada loved to work ith him for his attention to detail and a great work ethic.He could always be relied on to do a great job. He will be sadly missed , but now is pain free and at rest..Sincere sympathy to his many friends and family....Barbara Marchand - Posted by: Barbara Marchand (Air Canada Collegue ) on: Sep 25, 2015

• My heart breaks to hear that Alan will no longer be with us and we won,t hear that powerul voice anymore.I have so many fond memories of Alan walking into our office at Air Canada and giving me that great big bear hug of his to get my day started.He was a kind and gentle man and he will be missed. Heaven has been blessed with another special angel called Alan. Rest in peace our dear friend.Our thoughts and prayers are with Alan,s family. With Love and Respect, Sylvia and Gordon Bowen. - Posted by: Sylvia and Gordon Bowen (Co-Worker at Air Canda) on: Sep 25, 2015

• Alan: You lit up the room. You were larger than life and the life of the party. You brought light into the dark moments in others lives, when they needed it most. We are deeply saddened by this news and will miss you dearly. Know you have touched our hearts forever. Rest in eternal peace. - Posted by: Andrea & Don Franchuk (Acquaintance) on: Sep 25, 2015

• I was very saddened to hear of Alan's passing. I always enjoyed working with Alan, and got to look forward to his stories on his latest project, from restoring his grand piano to renovating his home. His accomplishments in life went far beyond his chosen profession, but his dedication to his job was a tribute to him and made him a valued employee. I often reflect on my working life, before retirement, and fondly remember the people I shared my career with. I am a better person, because of those people, because of Alan, and I am thankful for that privilege. Sincerely, Kim Sharpe Qualicum Beach, B.C. - Posted by: Kim Sharpe (Work Colleague ) on: Sep 25, 2015

• Alan was a kind and caring person. I enjoyed the many happy occasions and conversations over the years . Alan shared his many talents that being his great singing voice and beautiful playing of the piano . Alan was always there to help friends who needed some advice with gardens etc. we as co- workers with Air Canada will miss him RIP Evelyn - Posted by: Evelyn Geiger (Friend and co-worker) on: Sep 25, 2015

• I am so sorry to hear this news. Alan was a wonderful man and very giving of his time and his talents. He will be missed. - Posted by: Sandra Boyes (Friend) on: Sep 24, 2015

• So sorry to hear that Alan is gone. He will be missed by so many. - Posted by: Charlene Pauls (Friend) on: Sep 24, 2015

• Alan you will be missed. He was a special soul that would put the needs of others ahead of his own. He took care of my flower bed and filled it with plants after my partner passed and sang at her memorial service. "Everything Possible" was the song and it drifted through my thoughts today. We also sang at a wedding together and he helped me practice for another friend's wedding. I will always remember the energy and spirit he brought to everything he did. Parting is such sorrow. RIP Alan. - Posted by: Liana (Friend) on: Sep 24, 2015

• My sweet Uncle is now home with Grandpa Jiggs n Grandma Jessie...We have very fond memories of him going back so many years. Uncle Alan played a very large role in Marc n my wedding in Cancun. So many great memories of that trip!!! Where to start...we learning about aged Tequila eh Bob, Vern and Marc, Salsa dancing, food, life, how important family is, oh so many things. If you were friends with him you know how caring he was. He will be missed by so many people. We love you Uncle Alan and we'll be together again one day. - Posted by: Lynne Blanchette Barrette (Niece) on: Sep 24, 2015

• Alan, Dear Heart... I love you forever. Thank you for the Blessing of being my friend, a cherished gift that will remain with me always. Blessings and Prayers for your family and legions of fans. Judy - Posted by: JUDY PRINGLE (Friend) on: Sep 24, 2015

• Alan was a sweet caring man. I will remember him best in his Brigadoon kilt (Rainbow Stage 1976) he always looked great in uniform,in costume or just walking down the street in that big fur coat. The man had style. Wish I could have bumped into him one more time. We can sing some Sweet Mary Sunshine when we meet again big guy. - Posted by: Greg Nordman (Friend) on: Sep 24, 2015

• WE ARE SO VERY SAD TO LEARN OF ALAN'S PASSING. HE WAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON..AND...MANY OF US AT AIR CANADA WILL MISS HIS KIND SPIRIT AND FRIENDSHIP. WE HAVE SUCH GREAT MEMORIES OF HIM TO TREASURE FOREVER. - Posted by: CONNIE MCCORMICK (FRIEND) on: Sep 24, 2015

• I am so sad to hear of Alan's death. He was such a huge influence in me developing confidence in my ability to sing and helped me get through a bad personal emotional time. We had lost contact for a few years, but I always thought of him with great fondness. He will be missed. - Posted by: Elizabeth Hunt (Friend) on: Sep 24, 2015

• Both Suzy and I are sad to hear of Alan's passing. He played a special part in our wedding, everything from arranging the backyard with his beautiful floral displays, to playing the piano at our ceremony. Alan was also an exceptional flight attendant who took pride in his work. He had a very special gift when it came to putting on dinner parties. Everything was always so perfect. He was a very special person who will be sadly missed. RIP Alan Love Kiki and Suzy - Posted by: Kerri Grabowski (Friend and co-worker) on: Sep 24, 2015