SEARSPORT – Charles Nichols Blanchard, 81, died peacefully on Jan. 6, 2004, following a long courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family standing at his side. He was born on Jan. 16, 1922, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Lewene (Nichols) and Scott Blanchard Sr. He attended college at the University of Maine at Orono. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, earning the rank of Captain in the Transportation Corps, where he developed a technique for loading airplanes on to ships, without having to dismantle their wings. He received many military commendations for this plane loading technique. He joined the family contracting stevedore shipping business, Turner and Blanchard, Inc. in New York City, retiring as a Vice President. Upon retirement, Charlie and Mildred (Marr) Blanchard, his beloved wife of 55 years and their children, returned to Searsport where their families had lived for generations. Charlie was an avid sailor and had a love of the sea. His children and grandchildren recall many of his stories describing the adventures of his ancestors who were all seafaring people. He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends sailing his boat, the Charnami II, on Penobscot Bay or sitting in a rocking chair on his porch overlooking the Bay. He served as Chairman of the Searsport School Board for many years during the formation of MSAD No. 56, of which he was very proud. He also served on the Board of Selectman for the Town of Searsport. Charlie was a devoted family man and he will be truly missed by those who loved him. He is survived by his wife, Mildred (Mid) Blanchard of Searsport; his daughter, Nancy Blanchard of Gorham; his son, Nick Blanchard and his wife, Corinne (Seekins) Blanchard, of Searsport; two grandchildren, Andy Blanchard and Andrea Blanchard, both of Searsport; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Scott Blanchard Jr.; and his sister-in-law, Aileen Blanchard. A graveside memorial service will be held in the spring at Elmwood Cemetery in Searsport. In recognition of his dedication to the Searsport School System, donations in his memory can be made to the Searsport District Middle/High School Library, 26 Mortland Road, Searsport, ME 04974 for the specific purpose of purchasing new books. Arrangements by Young Funeral Home, 31 West Main St., Searsport.
CHARLES N. BLANCHARD
