DAVID EDWARD BLANCHARD

David Blanchard, the loving husband of Jacqui (née Forrest), respected and loved father of Jeffrey and Robert, and grandfather “Pop” to Nicholas, passed away January 24, 2025 at Deer Lodge Centre where he had spent the last 5+ years.

Dave was born in Winnipeg June 24, 1936. He grew up in River Heights and attended Kelvin High School where he excelled in academics and sports. During the war years his father was based in Lethbridge so the family moved to Calgary for a brief period and then back to Winnipeg in 1944; he fondly remembered his time in Calgary as a young boy.

David received his Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of North Dakota in 1961 and started working at the Manitoba Rolling Mills upon graduation. In 1965 he went to work for the CBC where he remained until he retired in 1992.

Dave was involved in sports throughout his entire life, his discipline and determination would not allow anything but being the best. Through his school years he was a top provincial middle-distance runner which also served him well as a member of the Winnipeg Rods Football Club. In his time with the Rods, they won the national championships two years in a row (1955 & 1956) which earned him a spot in the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.

The other sports that Dave enjoyed were Rugby (Winnipeg Wanderers) golf, basketball, Volleyball, water skiing, and downhill skiing but perhaps the sport he was most passionate about was hockey, which he played until he was 80 years old.

One of Dave’s other favourite things was spending his summers at the family cottage in Victoria Beach as a boy. In 1972 he bought his own family cottage where he enjoyed watching Jeffrey and Robert retrace all his childhood adventures. He loved animals, trees and nature and was happiest doing outdoor activities with his family. Dave was a practical, down to earth, and honest man.

Dave was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Margaret; and by his sister Beverly.

Extended family that share Jacqui, Jeffrey and Robert’s loss are daughter-in-law’s Sharon Blanchard (Jeffrey), Lisa Le Poole (Robert) and their families; Brother-in-laws, Ross (Sharon) Forrest, Bill (Maureen) Forrest, sister-in-law Donna (Dick) Gratton and their family; Niece Margaret Currie and her family & Nephew Cameron Currie.

Thank you to all our family and friends that have been so supportive over the years and also to Deer Lodge staff for their dedication and care during Dave’s stay.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00pm – 4:00pm on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Breezy Bend Golf Course, located at 7620 Roblin Blvd. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba would be appreciated.

Dave’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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