Louis Henry Blanchard

Louis “Lou” Henry Blanchard

“If You Stop Moving, They Bury You” -

Louis “Lou” Henry Blanchard, age 90, of Mechanicsburg, passed away at home on Tuesday, January 5, 2021.  Lou was born in Massachusetts, to the late Cyril J. Blanchard and Georgianna (Demers) Blanchard.  Lou was married for 52 years to his beloved wife, the late Dolly (Sullivan) Blanchard, who passed in 2004.  Lou is also preceded in death by his daughter, Lynn Blanchard Mosher; and his nine siblings:  Ernest Blanchard, Maurice Blanchard, Richard Blanchard, Jerry Blanchard, Olive Duval, Lillian Denis, Jeanne Viens, Alice Blanchard, and Cecile Oakland.

Lou’s survivors include his three children: Michael “Mike” Blanchard and wife Mary of Gaithersburg, MD, Mark Blanchard of Shiremanstown, PA, Laurie Hutchinson and husband Guy of Greensburg, PA; his “fifth child” nephew Scott Cropper and wife Lori of Camp Hill, PA; his six grandchildren: Kimberly Hill, Tony Blanchard, Jessica Hutchinson, Kelly Cropper, Leah Cropper, Sean Cropper; his two great-grandchildren: Jameson and Jaelynn; his sister, Joyce Blanchard of Chicopee, MA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lou (also nicknamed Micky) graduated from University of Massachusetts with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and served in the U.S. Navy and Air Force.  He retired as a systems engineer from IBM after 32 years.  Lou’s life motto was, “If you stop moving, they bury you”.  He kept moving and active throughout his life, enjoying many hobbies: stamp collecting and belonging to various philatelic clubs; gardening and puttering around outdoors; combining his loyal support of the Mechanicsburg Library and his enthusiasm for bowling at Trindle Bowl in Mechanicsburg to create a Bowling for Books fundraiser; and reading, especially science fiction literature.  Lou’s children remember his independent but jocular nature, and they will miss Lou’s sense of humor, particularly retelling poor jokes and puns.

Lou’s family will be celebrating his life privately.  Cremation was private.

Lou’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Lou’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.