A Joyful Life

Gale Boyd "Doc" Blanchard, 80, died unexpectedly over Memorial Day weekend, while enjoying a "snooze" and watching television, remote close by and waiting for Arlene's home cooked dinner... his favorite time of the day. Shortly before, he had folded laundry, put it away, locked the doors, and settled down in his recliner. "Ah, it's a good life!" he would always say. "Great meal, Mrs. B!"

Gale was born on September 10, 1924 in McClusky, North Dakota on the Saueressig farm. During his childhood, as an only child, he lived in Sioux City, Iowa near his Blanchard cousins and graduated from Sioux City Central High School. After graduation, he worked as a cook's helper for a contractor working on the Alaska-Canadian Highway. He was inducted into the U.S. Navy in 1943 and received certification for Radioman Second Class.

During his training at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, he met Arlene Koehler, who was a student at the University. They eventually met again in California. In 1946, he was honorably discharged from the Navy and later entered the National Guard. Gale and Arlene were married in 1949 in Orange, California. Their first home was in Balboa and Gale began working for the State of California Highway Department as a surveyor.

In 1950, Barry Raymond was born. Gale continued studying civil engineering, beginning his thirty-seven year career with Caltrans and retiring in 1987. Throughout his career, Gale studied after work and eventually achieved a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in Administration from Cal State San Bernadino and later received a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Cal State LA. After purchasing their first home in Whittier, Sym William was born in 1952. Once settled, Teresa Kay was born in 1956, Gina Jo in 1959 and Wendy Ceil in 1963.

Gale loved his family, both immediate and extended, and spent much time trailering with family around the United States visiting relatives and friends. He enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren games and initiated various card games, like poker with the grandchildren. He loved 1940's music and liked to dance. His favorite television programs were ball games of all kinds and he played a variety of sports, and loved ocean fishing.

In 1998, Gale and Arlene moved to Camarillo, California to enjoy life in Leisure Village. He was involved in the Radio Club and RV Club, swam and exercised frequently, took walks and was a member of the Camarillo United Methodist Church and the American Legion.

Gale was known by his warmth, great smile, big bear hugs and a great sense of humor. He liked hearing and telling jokes. We will miss him dearly.