Alfred Joseph Blanchette

He is survived by his wife of 66 years Irene (Parent) and his seven children: Gisele Blanchette (Melvin Wasylyshin) of Saskatoon, Rose Marie Blanchette of North Battleford, Maurice (Linda) Blanchette of Taiwan, Annette (Lionel) Textor of Calgary, Colette (Luc) Bezaire of Saskatoon, Beatrice (Rick) Reid of Saskatoon, Pierre Blanchette (Rob Witiuk) of Edmonton; 17 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was born on the original homestead 3 miles from Vawn to parents Laurent Blanchette and Marie Anna (Rheault). He is survived by one brother Rudolph (Helen). He is predeceased by his parents, 10 brothers and 4 sisters. He was number 11 of 15 children. During the 1930s Alfred rode the rails landing in Alberta for one winter. He slept by campfires, cooked at a coal mine and then lumbered. He spent WWII in the Aleutian Islands and took a flame throwers course in England. He was 3 days from the front when V Day was declared. Alfred met Irene at the Circular Hall North Battleford and married June 10, 1947. They homesteaded on the farm outside Vawn for 30 years. He served on the school and church board, was active as a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, 4-H, A.C.F.C., and drove school bus. Alfred enjoyed farming, gardening, camping, fishing, golfing and travelling around visiting family and friends. Alfred and Irene enjoyed their winter vacations in Yuma for 12 years spending time with numerous nieces and nephews. A favorite uncle, he loved a good time. They enjoyed trips to Expo in Montreal and Vancouver. In the early 80’s Alfred took Irene to Europe to retrace his steps from WWII. He was lucky, won a trip, won at cards and twice got a perfect 29 in cribbage. They moved to Vawn where Alfred was post master for 7 years. In 2000 they moved to North Battleford. Dad and Mom enjoyed a wonderful life together, were blessed to stay together till the end. Alfred passed away peacefully after one night in Battlefords Union Hospital. We want to thank the staff at Esther’s Place and a very special thank you to Tracy, Esther, Joan and Annabel. Thank you to the girls at the Battleford’s Co-op Restaurant. He loved his family and was proud of his children. Dad, we will miss our love bunny.

Viewing will be held from 2:30 -4:00 pm on Thursday, March 20th from Sallows & McDonald – Wilson and Zehner Funeral Home, 1271-103rd Street, North Battleford. Prayer Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday March 20 from St. Andre Roman Catholic Church, 1301-112th Street, North Battleford, with Jean Pawlus presiding. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 on Friday, March 21, also from St. Andre Roman Catholic Church, with Reverend Father Gerard Legaspi as Celebrant.

The family has placed their trust with Kristeen Thiessen of Sallows and McDonald – Wilson and Zehner Funeral Home, North Battleford. (306) 445-2418