Edward Johnson Blanchard

Bay Area native, and life-long resident, Edward Johnson Blanchard, passed away quietly at the

VA Hospital's Livermore Community Living Center, on October 17, 2019. Ed was 93.

Ed was born on April 25, 1926, to Eugene and Barbara Blanchard. He attended schools in

Castro Valley, San Francisco, and Piedmont. Upon his graduation from Piedmont High School,

Ed enlisted in the Navy. He served his country during World War II aboard the submarines, USS

Flasher and USS Plaice.

Upon returning from his military service, Ed attended and graduated from College of Arts and

Crafts in Oakland, and was a graphic artist by profession.

In 1950, Ed married Marguerite (Midge) Stearns of Piedmont, and they had 2 daughters. They

moved to San Lorenzo in 1954. After a long illness, Midge passed away in 1992. In 1995, Ed

met and married Shirley Langum of Hayward. They lived in Hayward until Ed's health declined,

and he moved to the VA Hospital Community Living Center in Livermore.

Ed enjoyed a variety of activities, especially sailing and music. Ed was in several music groups

during his lifetime (performing in everything from Dixieland jazz, community band, and

barbershop quartets). He belonged to, and was a Past Master of, Live Oak Lodge #61 of the

Free and Accepted Masons. He served his community in numerous volunteer positions and

organizations, including the Hayward Police Department and swimming classes for children and

adults with disabilities. Ed was also actively involved with the Submarine Veterans of World War

II organization. He was proud to serve as a docent on the USS Pampanito at the Maritime

Museum in San Francisco, a sister ship to the Plaice and Flasher.

Ed’s greatest passion, though, was his family. He is survived by his second wife, Shirley,

daughters Diane Alexander (Fred) and Marie Blanchard (Lance Swing), step-daughter Margaret

Andrews, step-son Mike Langum (Alexandra); several grandchildren Jessica Nichols (Joey),

Jennifer Huffman (Dustin), Kelly Casella (Alex), John Andrews Jr. (Janel), Jennifer Rose

(Kevin), Catherine Rurans (Gary), Trevor Langum, Rebecka Maxkenzie (Kati); as well as

numerous great-grandchildren. Step-son Bob Langum, and brother-in-law Richard Lopes

preceeded Ed in death.

A private ceremony for the scattering of Ed's ashes at sea, will be held aboard the Neptune

Society yacht "Naiad", on November 15, 2019.

If desired, memorial gifts may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children at

www.lovetotherescue.org.