Russell Blanchard

Russell Blanchard passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on November 20, 2022. Russell was born on May 22, 1943, in Woonsocket RI to Sylvio and Rose Blanchard.
Russell left home at age 16 and begin his adventure in life. After moving around a bit, He eventually ended up in Vermont where he finally found what he called home. Russell made many friends and became part of the Upper Valley Service family. He shared his life with many people and could always be found with a big warm smile and a wave. He worked on a farm and loved animals of all kinds but showing cattle and being at the fairs was his favorite time of all. He had a passion for camping and being in nature, needle point and crafting, puzzles and card games. Russell enjoyed rides and shopping with his good friend Mal Wetherell before his passing earlier this year. Russell had a huge heart and loved to share his love with others, it is no surprise in the spirit of giving and his faith that Christmas was his favorite holiday. When he was living in his apartment in Newbury you could enter anytime of the year to a winter wonderland filled with Christmas decorations from floor to ceiling. Russell loved the beach and sunshine, he spent much of his summer outside planting flowers, watching the birds, and sitting in the sun. He spent some of the past couple of summers on Prudence Island in RI with his family of care givers and loved to fish, sunbathe, dig for clams and just enjoying the company of others.
Russell was a big part of the OSIP community and spent much of his time there with other friends he met along the way. Playing cards and games with others who needed his company.
Russell was a gentle man with a warm and inviting smile an infectious laugh who was always present when you were in his company. Engaged and focused on you and your time that you were spending with him. He gave great back rubs and loved to cook and always in large portions so that many could enjoy his cooking. He was soft spoken and sweet but never had trouble getting his point across if he needed to.
In his passing he would want all those that he has left behind to know this:
My Final Wishes
Do not mourn me in black
But paint me a rainbow
Shed a few tears
But remember me with a smile
Forget the suffering
And think only of the joys
Take care of those I leave behind
Two legged and four
For they are my true treasures
And be comforted to know this
That my life was better for knowing you!
Hale Funeral Home is honored to have Russell in our care.
A gathering to honor and remember Russell will be held at the Haverhill NH Senior Center, at 91 Horse Meadow Road in Haverhill at 3pm on Monday December 5th.