John Dudley Blanchard

Pembroke – John D. "Turtle" Blanchard, 51, passed away peacefully January 8, 2016 in the arms of his loving wife, Helene. John was born January 11, 1964 in Worcester, Massachusetts to Robert and the late Mary (Dudley) Blanchard. John graduated from South High School, class of 1982 before working various jobs in Worcester. He later moved to Maine and began working in the salmon farming industry. After fish farming, he worked at Gates Fiber Extrusion for many years and finished his work career at Wal-Mart for 10+ years. John met Helene Cushing in September of 1999. On August 2, 2003 he married the one and only love of his life. John enjoyed his and Helene’s many camping adventures. They did outlast many rain and wind storms and even a hurricane during their camping fun. He always looked forward to the Camporees and annual fireworks displays that were hosted at his home on Front Street. He loved traveling and spending time with his family both from Worcester and Maine. He liked playing games on his PlayStation and puttering around the yard and gardening. John enjoyed golf nights with Wayne and was an avid Patriots & Bruins fan. John & Helene enjoyed many vacations together, but his favorite, he said, was their trip to Florida with Mason, Landon, Bobbie & Tony. Although he hadn’t seen them a lot over the years, he always held a special place in his heart for all his Worcester friends. But most of all, (believe it or not) he loved just spending time at home or just anywhere with his loving wife Helene. In addition to his wife Helene he is survived by his father, Robert Blanchard of Worcester, MA; siblings, Joe Blanchard and his wife Kate of Worcester, MA, Patty Duggan and her husband Tom of N. Brookfield, MA, Mike Blanchard and his wife Nancy of Worcester, MA, Katie Sultan and her husband Javed of Lexington, MA and Jane Sargentelli of Worcester, MA; sisters-in-law, Donna Preston of Dennysville and Darlene Preston of Pembroke; brothers-in-law, Frank Cushing and his wife Lynn and Wayne Cushing and his wife Muriel, all of Pembroke; two very special great nephews, Mason and Landon Ritchie and many other nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his mother, Mary Blanchard and his father and mother-in-law, Donald and Dora Cushing, who loved him as their own son. John was a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed by many. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 16th at Ironworks Methodist Church with Pastor David Peterson officiating. Friends and family are invited to the home of Helene and John for reminiscing and refreshments immediately following the service.