Kenneth P. Blanchard, 84, of Hudson, NH, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 18, 2020.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island on August 31, 1936, Ken and his identical twin brother Billy were the oldest of six kids, son of the late William and Dorothy (Williams) Blanchard. He was predeceased by two brothers, Billy and Wayne; Ken is survived by his other brother Charles of Hudson, NH; and his sisters, Elaine Kelly of Manchester and Laurel Lewis of Londonderry, NH.
Moving with his family from Providence in the early 1940s, Ken became a lifelong resident of Windham and then Hudson, NH and graduated from Alvirne High School in 1955. Winters have been spent in Leesburg, Florida where numerous friendships were forged and cherished, including his treasured friend and partner, Joyce Valentine who was an immeasurable comfort and aid during his final days of declining health.
In 1958 Ken married his high school sweetheart Patricia “Pat” Kalil and together, they raised four wonderful children, never failing to attend virtually every school activity, sporting event, class recitals and plays. Often working two jobs, Ken and his brother Bill ultimately started and grew a property rehab and rental business, B & B Associates in Nashua, NH.
A devoted husband for over 56 years, Ken and Pat were the gold standard for that storybook marriage before she passed away in 2014. They were both common fixtures at local restaurants, seasonal events and virtually every ice cream stand in New England!
Ken was an avid golfer, an adventurous outdoorsman, and a passionate New England sports fan with a stunning collection of trophies and memorabilia to prove it.
He is survived by daughter Sue and her husband Rick Smart, son Kevin and his wife Cindy, son Tod and his wife Lynn, daughter Michelle and her husband James Taylor; grandchildren Katrina, Kyle, Adam, Trevor, Kristine and Kasey Blanchard, Susan and Cody Hobbs, as well as extended family Dennis, Jana, Terry, Kaitlyn, Izabela and Mike Coughlin; and one very special great-granddaughter, Paisley-Mae born just this year.
A loving husband, amazing father and grandfather, and an all-around class act, Ken will forever be remembered for his warm, devilish grin and trademark two-handed handshake. Whether on a golf course, love for nature and a zest for life that was rivaled only by his love and passion for his family. He will be loved and missed by all but will undoubtably inspire and strengthen future generations for many, many years to come.
HIS WALK-THROUGH VISITATION will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday, Sept. 25th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Graveside Service will take place in Sunnyside Cemetery, Central Street, Hudson, Saturday morning at 10 o’clock. Friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Ken’s memory to Friends of Benson Park, Inc., P.O. Box 91, Hudson, NH 03051. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
