Robert Blanchard

OXFORD - Robert H. Blanchard, 67, of Wheelock Street, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 31, 2013, at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, after a battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Joan C. (Washburn) Blanchard of Oxford; two children, Kelly Lincoln of Webster and Chris Blanchard of Putnam, CT; two stepchildren, Dena Oberg and her husband Michael of Webster and Erik Somers and his wife Michelle of Miami, OK; a brother, Gary Blanchard and his wife Darlene of Quinebaug, CT; a sister, Cindy LaRochelle and her husband Alan of Oxford; seven grandchildren, Jarrod, Amanda, Angela, Chrissy Jane, Miranda, Jeremy, and Tawni; two great grandchildren, Nicholas and Landon; nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a brother, Paul Blanchard, and his beloved dog, Precious. He was born in York, Maine, the son of the late Paul and Dorothy (Wilson) Blanchard, and was a lifelong resident of Oxford. He graduated from Oxford High School. Mr. Blanchard owned and operated Blanchard Trucking in Oxford for many years, retiring in 2006. He was a truck driver throughout his life and enjoyed seeing the entire country while driving. He loved to visit York Beach in Maine and was a fan of the Red Sox and Patriots. He enjoyed fishing, playing pool, playing cards, woodworking, going to Foxwoods, and visiting with his friends under the yum-yum tree. Bob had many friends and is loved and will be missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered as a wonderful man with a great sense of humor who lived life to the fullest. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at St. Vincent Hospital who cared for him in his final days. Services will be held privately. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701, or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, is directing the arrangements.