Douglas J. Blanchard of Marcellus NY died on January 20, 2015, two years after being diagnosed with ALS. He was born in his grandmother's maternity hospital in Baldwinsville NY on March 1, 1932. A natural athlete, he was on the All-County Football team in 1950. After graduating from Baldwinsville High School, he attended St. Lawrence University graduating in 1954. At St. Lawrence he met his bride, Beverly Evans. They were deeply devoted to each other, celebrating their 60th anniversary on June 18, 2014.

After two years of service in the US Army, he began a 40 year career with Connecticut Mutual (later Mass Mutual). An interest in antiques developed into a business he remained active in until his last days. He was the original "American Picker", enjoying the hunt most of all. He loved teaching his grandchildren how to recognize a fraud from something fabulous. He treasured his family. Time spent at the cottage on Charleston Lake, Ontario, going to hockey games, attending his grandchildren's many sporting events, annual June trips to the Maritimes, cutting the newspaper to shreds to mail clippings of interest to people near and far, all gave him joy.

He is survived by his wife Beverly; sons Thomas (Susan), David, and William (Tammy), daughter Susan Baum (Eric); and his grandchildren, Christopher Blanchard, Caitlin Simmons, Julia Aloi, Emily Blanchard, Gunnar Blanchard, Chase Blanchard, Jay Baum and Elise Baum. Also survived by his sister Harriet Kane and brother James Blanchard. Throughout his life he enjoyed many loyal and lasting friendships.

His family would like to especially thank his caregivers Janet, Annie, Belinda, Diane and Edie for their compassion, respect and gentle ways. In addition, a note of thanks and gratitude to his neighbors Mark, Matt and Billy who were there night after night making sure he was safe and comfortable.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Sunday February 1, 2015 at 2:30 pm, at May Memorial UU Church, 3800 E. Genesee St, Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers or memorial donations, you can honor him by extending a kindness to someone the world has forgotten. You won't have to look far.