More detail on this person: Arthur Joseph Blanch-ette, born March 13, 1940, in Eau Claire,
Wisconsin, to Hugh and Vera Blanchette, the third of three children, succumbed to cancer on February
3, 2014, at the age of 73 in his home on the Skagit River, in Concrete, Washington.
Graduating from West Linn High School, West Linn, OR, Art made the most of life as an avid
outdoorsman, serving as a Master Aviator in the Army/National Guard and flying as a helicopter pilot
for a tour of duty in Vietnam. Art enjoyed a long career of helicopter logging with Evergreen
Helicopters and Glacier Helicopters. In his early 20's, Art began a family of three children with
their mother, Carmen.
Art was an exceptional man invigorated by adventure and the out-of-doors. When he couldn't be out in
nature, he found great pleasure square dancing; where, later in life, Art found Brenda, his ultimate
true love and bride of just over five years. Brenda rekindled his explorer soul and they both found
joy in making new adventures for the two of them. Together they were something to behold, cheek to
cheek or whirling stylishly on the dance floor. Never a truer love was there to witness than Art &
Brenda.
Always quick with the wit, Art found joy in all he did and shared it with those he met and lightened
the hearts of those around him. Art was a family man survived by his sister Jo Ann McGinley and her
family of Idaho; his children, son Robert (Jodi) Blanchette of Alabama, daughter Debra (Mark) Jolma
and son Rich (Bridgette) Blanchette, both of Oregon; stepson's Rod (Stefanie) Maxwell, Jason
(Patricia) Maxwell, stepdaughter Tracy Linson, all of Washington; seventeen grandchildren and many
nieces, nephews and cousins.
Remembrances/donations in Art's name may be offered to Hospice of the Northwest, 227 Freeway Dr.,
Suite A, Mount Vernon, WA. 98273. A memorial service and reception will be held at 7:30 in the
evening on the 16th of February at the North Cascade Seventh-day Adventist Church, 800 Peacock
Lane & Highway 20, Burlington, Washington, followed by a graveside service with Military Honors at
9:00 in the morning on the 17th of February to take place at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE
240th Street, Covington, WA (near Kent).
Published in Skagit Valley Herald Publishing Company on Feb. 11, 2014
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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