Ron Blanchette

Ron A. Blanchette M.D., 76, of Ventura, passed away Sunday, May 9, 2010, following a brief illness. He was born September 23, 1933 in Toronto, Canada, and moved with his family to Los Angeles at the age of 14.

After high school, he worked as a carpenter, and then decided to pursue a career in medicine. He began his premedical education at UC Berkeley and UCLA, but this was interrupted when he contracted paralytic polio in 1955. After several years in rehabilitation he returned to UCLA to complete his premed. He then finished his medical degree at USC.

Ron completed his internship at Gorgas Hospital in the Canal Zone, Panama; and his residency at L.A. County General Hospital. He worked and taught at the USC Department of Psychiatry, was assistant director of adult inpatient services at the L.A. County/USC psychiatry department, and later became an assistant clinical professor in the USC psychiatry department. In 1965, he began private practice in Los Angeles. Ron lived in Ventura for 31 years, working as a psychotherapist from 1979 until his death.

Ron loved to read and write poetry. He was a great lover of the arts, nature, wildlife, science, and medicine. He also loved gardening, watching foreign films, and getting together with friends.

Ron was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and colleague. His relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and anyone who had the joy and privilege of knowing him were transformative. He touched people’s lives and taught them the importance of loving family, striving to be better parents for their children, caring for others, loving themselves, and cherishing life. For so many years, Ron gave fully to everyone, despite his increasing disability from the post-polio syndrome. He had no agenda other than being there for those he loved.

Ron is survived by his wife, Carol Pedersen; children, Barbara Wolke, Bret Blanchette and daughter-in-law, Teresa, David Blanchette and daughter-in-law, Jennifer, Anya Blanchette, and Beth Brohammer, and son-in-law, Shep; stepchildren, Will Pedersen (Alyson), Michael Pedersen (Mari), Jon Chester (Sharon), and Stephen Pedersen (Jeanne); and grandchildren, Kelamie, Haley, Brenin, Andrew, Christopher, Lydia, Sarah, Kyle, Amelia, Evan, Cody, Emily and Chester.

A memorial service will be held from 3-5 p.m., Saturday, May 22, 2010 at Meditation Mount, 10340 Reeves Rd., Ojai. Carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at www.tedmayrfuneralhome.com.