Richard Dee "Rick" Blanchard was born on July 19, 1952, to Arlo Dee Blanchard and Donna Rose Williams.  He joined an older sister Anita, and three more boys would join the family.  Kerry, Bruce, and Todd.  Rick had a happy childhood growing up on the family farm on the banks of the Fall River. He loved playing marbles, riding horses, hunting and fishing.

Rick graduated from South Fremont High School in 1970.  He was an outstanding athlete excelling in football and basketball. He lived in Chester his entire life except for the 4 months he spent at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri in the  National Guard.  He was a member of the 116th Engineer Battalion for the  next 6 years.

Rick ranched and farmed with his dad his entire life.  He loved his Hereford cattle, helped his dad run the sheep, and tolerated the hours he spent in a tractor.

On Feb 22, 1974, he married Shellie Clark in the Idaho Falls Temple.  They have 5 children.  Rick was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He enjoyed buying, selling, and collecting guns, his daily drive looking for an opportunity to "thin out" the coyote population and supporting his children and grandchildren in their activities.  Rick had a quick wit, could tell a great joke and could remember them to tell them again.

He is survived by his wife Shellie, daughters Sayde Ann (Farshad) Dailami, Jodi Griffeth, Brittney (Matt) Oswald Holly (Colton) Blair, and son Brian R (Rachel) Blanchard.  Brothers Kerry (Yvonne) Blanchard, Bruce (Teresa) Blanchard and Todd (Carol) Blanchard. Brother -in- law Dick Olson.   17 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Anita, and one grandson Kody Dailami.

Rick passed away peacefully at home on May 28, 2023, after a short illness with pancreatic cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, at the St. Anthony LDS Stake Center.  The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m., both times at the St. Anthony Stake Center.  Interment will be in the Chester Cemetery.

Services will be streamed at: https://my.gather.app/remember/rick-blanchard

Rick Blanchard Funeral Program