Ralph Daniel Blanchard

AUBURN- On October 8, 2007, Ralph Daniel Blanchard went home to be reunited with his wife Elizabeth after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Auburn to Daniel and Henrietta (Norton) Blanchard on March 25, 1927. He was educated in Auburn schools graduating from Edward Little in 1945. He received at two year agricultural degree from University of Maine Orono in 1947. On June 15, 1947, he married Elizabeth E. Hickey of Turner who predeceased him in 2004 after 56 years of marriage. In 1948 he took over his fathers dairy farm, Blanchard's Farm and Ralph and Elizabeth continued in the dairy business until 1966 when they sold the farm, and built their new home on Blanchard Road. Ralph, or "Gramp" as most people knew him, was especially proud of the innovations and accomplishments made on the farm including being named Outstanding Conservation Farm of 1950. After the sale of the farm he held various jobs including Pioneer Plastics, and H.E. Sargent during the rebuilding of Route 4 from East Auburn to Turner. He worked for the State of Maine as a USDA Inspector at various poultry plants within the area. He also worked for the City of Auburn School Department where he retired in 1989. After his retirement he was instrumental in helping his grandson establish his excavation business, T.R.H. & Sons. He was an active member in the community. He was a faithful member of the Turner Village Church, a former member of the L/A Milk Producers Association and had served several terms as Master of the East Auburn Grange. He also served three terms as President of the East Auburn Men's Club. Most of all in his own words "he was a farmer". He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth in 2004, and a brother, Austin in 1990.He is survived by his sisters, Julia Oakes and Margaret Berry both of Auburn; a brother Jim of Supply, NC.; daughter Roseann and her husband Bob Harlow of North Turner; grandson Todd Harlow and his wife Rhonda, their children Danielle, Ryan and Nathan; granddaughter Tracie Balfour and her husband Rob, their children Ashley, Lindsey and Zachary; several nieces, nephews, cousins and countless others he touched throughout his life. Special thanks to Lois and Deanna, and Androscoggin Home Health & Hospice. NOTICE Blanchard- Died in Auburn October 8, 2007. Mr. Ralph D. age 80 a resident of Auburn. Funeral services will be held on Thursday 2PM at the Turner Village Church. Entombment to follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers in his memory to set up a trust fund to further his great grandchildren's education c/o Auburn Savings Bank P.O. Box 3157 Auburn, Maine 04212. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com . Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5-8PM at the family owned Dillingham & Son Memorial Chapel 62 Spring St., Auburn, 784.6449. �