Obituary of Jacques BLANCHARD

Jacques Ellie Blanchard passed away at home on Sept 4 around 6:30 pm. He leaves behind the love of his life, Alison Neale-Blanchard; children, Susan (Paul) of Toronto, Nathalie (Patrice) of St. Zotique, Eric (Anita) of Vancouver, Ben (Dom) of Montreal, Stephan (Ania) of Calgary, Luc (Kathryn) of Calgary, and Yves of Montreal; grandchildren, Julien, Elie, Baby (soon to arrive); sister, Anne-Marie Scherrer of Fort Collins, Colorado; sister-in-law, Laurie (Gijs) of Holland, Ardeth of Montreal; nieces, Daleth (Bob), Melissa (Justin), Erin (Talmath), Aislinn; nephews, Kristian, Jess (Jenn), Christiaan, Hugo; cousins, Marc (Faith), Gil (Valerie), Louise, Helene (Mike), John (Ruth), Sandy (Don), Lynn, Judy, Cecil, Mary, Beth, Anthony, Michael, Chris, Eric, Francis, Martin, Victoria, and countless friends. His parents, Jean Blanchard and Verna Reesor, preceded him in death. Jacques was born in Montreal, Quebec, in 1948 to Jean Penoy Blanchard and Verna Mae Reesor. He lived his early years in both Quebec and Ontario, as his father owned or directed various businesses. Jacques attended St. Patrick High School in Ottawa before leaving North America with his family to live in Ghana, West Africa. He had quite the time there, as the family made Ghana their home for the next 10 (or so) years. He returned to Montreal where he attended Loyola University with an eye to becoming a Jesuit. This was not to be, however, and Jacques blessed this world with 7 children and a life devoted to teaching school, coaching hockey, and football. His passions were scuba diving, tending bees, gardening, food and wine, family, friends and energetic philosophical and political debate. Jacques thought he had more time, and so did we. We miss him terribly. Two Celebrations of Life have been planned. The first was held at the Rehabilitation Society of Calgary, 7 - 11 Street N.E. on Saturday, September 8 from 1 until 4pm. We request that in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Rehabilitation Society at the same address. There is also a Tribute and Remembrance of Jacques planned for Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. in Montreal at Loyola Chapel. Join this celebration for stories, photos, and music. We have created a permanent tribute page at: http://womenawaken.org/jacques. There is a beautiful slideshow put to music, and a page to add your stories or memories of Jacques. Please visit this site and add your recollections.