Russell E. Blanchard

Russell E. Blanchard, 96, of South Portland, died Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010, surrounded by his family.
He was born July 13, 1914, to Ethel and Harry F. Blanchard.
He worked as a master plasterer and foreman for Blanchard Plastering Co. until his retirement at 72.
He met his lifelong sweetheart and wife of 69 years, Ruth Barnes, in 1939. During their three-year engagement, Russell built his first house on Dawson Street. They moved in after their wedding in 1941, raised four children and remained there for 68 years.  In the early 1950s, Mr. Blanchard built a camp on Little Sebago Lake where the family enjoyed many summers swimming, boating, and hosting family gatherings.  
A talented builder and carpenter, he was always in the middle of some project. He built a house with his son in Windham, completed numerous additions or remodels for family and friends, and built furniture and toys for his grandchildren.
He was a quiet and reserved man who loved his family above all else and showed that love by always being there to fix a broken pipe, repair a leak or pick up a grandchild.
After his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling to national parks and sites around the country.
He became a familiar figure around the West Broadway and Main Street area as he walked more than five miles each day.
He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Frederick and Harry (Ally) Blanchard; and three sisters, Betty Skillins, Mae Staples and Hazel Kinney.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth, of Scarborough; two sons, David Blanchard and his wife, Trisha, of Windham and James Blanchard and his wife, Denise, of Old Orchard Beach; two daughters, Judy O’Brien of Old Orchard Beach and Jean Fox and her husband, Francis, of South Portland; 10 grandchildren and 13 great- grandchildren.
Arrangements were by Hobbs Funeral Home, South Portland.