Edward Frederick Blanchard Jr.

Edward Frederick Blanchard Jr, beloved husband, dad and grandpa/papa has finished the work he was sent here to do and has passed on to do the work waiting for him on the other side of the veil.

Dad was the eldest of 4 children, born to Edward Frederick Blanchard (Fred) and Voylette Lorraine Terry Blanchard (Terry).  Dad grew up in Magna Utah where he attended Cyprus High School and went on to earn his education degree at Southern Utah State College (SUU).  Dad earned nearly straight A’s throughout his schooling, distinguishing himself as an outstanding student.

Dad was a phenomenal athlete. He played football, basketball and ran track in high school and even won the schools Outstanding Athlete award his senior year.

In the summers dad would go to Fairview and would work on his grandpa’s and uncles’ farm. He learned the importance of hard work. His fondest memories and many of life’s lessons came from those times spent on the farm.

Dad dedicated two years of his life to serving an honorable mission in Florida and later served 12 years in the Utah National Guard. 

In college dad worked at a factory making sleeping bags. It was there that he met his future wife and the love of his life, Cheryl Argyle. They were married on September 18, 1970, in the Salt Lake Temple.

After graduating, they moved to Salt Lake City and then to Magna where they raised their 3 children. They then settled in West Valley where they celebrated 53 years of marriage.

Dad supported his family by working for 36 years for the State of Utah in Adult probation and parole.  In his role as a supervisor, he had the opportunity to teach and mentor many men and women who he worked with.  Many of whom have remained his dear and trusted friends.

Dad cherished the freedom of the open road on his Harley. He enjoyed many rides that he shared with close friends and loved taking his grandchildren on rides around the neighborhood, creating lasting memories.

Dad is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Terry Blanchard; parents-in-law, Gerald and Nila Argyle; his infant sister, Birdie Blanchard; brothers-in-law, Ron Hansen and Alan Argyle; and one tiny grandson, Oliver Blanchard.

He leaves behind his beloved family, wife Cheryl; brothers, Craig and Ann Blanchard and Russell Blanchard; son, Chris Blanchard, daughter Karen and Janice Blanchard; son, Brian and Elizabeth Blanchard; and 8 grandchildren, Sydney, Spencer, Cameron, Nathan, Ryan, Matthew, Emma and Katelyn.

The Blanchard family would like to thank our family and friends who have shown such love and support at this time. The family would also like to thank the staff at Suncrest Hospice, who helped care for both mom and dad.

Interment at Fairview Cemetery.