Robert Lawrence Blanchard

Windham- Robert (Bob) L. Blanchard, 63, of Falmouth Road, passed away on September 13, 2015 following a courageous three-year battle with cancer. He was born in Portland, a son of Robert and Dorothea (Cash) Blanchard. Bob graduated from Portland High School and attended University of Southern Maine. He was reservist in the Coast Guard for four years. He worked for Coca-Cola and later worked for the Postal Service where he had been employed for the last 19 years. Bob also wrote the sports column for the Suburban Newspaper in Windham.

Bob spent his whole adult life coaching and mentoring kids. He started coaching at the age of 19 and continued to be involved with youth athletics his whole life. He coached Babe Ruth Baseball in Portland, Cheverus Baseball, Gray/New Gloucester Softball, Windham High School Softball, Maine Squeeze Softball and other various youth sports. He not only encouraged, coached and mentored his own kids but wanted all the kids to succeed and would tirelessly work with every child regardless of their ability.

Bob enjoyed jogging, watching the Red Sox and Patriots, and the many family trips which included trips to Florida, San Diego and Las Vegas.

He was pre-deceased by his father.

He survived by his mother of South Portland; his wife of over 40 years, Nancy (Bunnell) Blanchard; children, Michelle (Blanchard) Blomquist and her husband Bill of Cliff Island, Jaime (Blanchard) Pearson and husband Tim of Portland; granddaughter and light of his life for the last 3 ½ years, Chloe Marie Blomquist; brothers, Moe Blanchard and wife Cheryl, Rick Blanchard and wife Tena, Mike Blanchard. He is also survived by numerous extended family and many friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 2-4 pm on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at Jones Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland, where a Memorial Service will follow at 4 pm.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Bob’s online guest book

“It’s a beautiful day for a ballgame…

so let’s play two. “

Ernie Banks