Obituary for Alden Emerson Blanchard

Alden E. Blanchard, 96, of Newport, Vermont passed away in his home on February 2, 2025 in the company of his loving nieces.  He was born in Newport on September 28, 1928, beloved son of Clarence and Annie Blanchard.

Alden was the only son, and had six sisters by whom he was much loved and fondly referred to as "Brother".  As part of a large close-knit family, Alden had wonderful recollections of growing up in northern Vermont - skiing/tobogganing and other adventures with his sisters, as well as large family gatherings over his mother's delicious meals.  He attended school in Newport, and as a youth he harvested ice blocks from Lake Memphremagog as an early job, drove a truck line to Massachusetts, and then joined his father's plumbing business - C. C. Blanchard's Plumbing and Heating, later branching off into his own plumbing business.

He had an early talent and love for skiing which brought him to Jay Peak Ski Area where he became a popular ski instructor in the early 1960's.  He worked with Walter Foeger, the Austrian ski pro and General Manager of Jay Peak (who was later inducted into the US Ski Hall of Fame), teaching the revolutionary "Natur Teknik" method of ski instruction.  This technique was new to this country, and eventually taught at 13 other US ski areas at the time, and guaranteed you'd be downhill parallel skiing in only a week or your money back!  Alden was featured in the early (1965) Jay Peak instructional film "The Eagle" demonstrating the Natur Teknik.  Later Alden worked for Weyerhaeuser, the new owner of Jay Peak, and was instrumental in the development of the first air tram in Vermont at the top of Jay, as well as maintaining the base lodge and lift.

Becoming a certified pilot during his Jay Peak career, Alden built his first airplane in his cellar and garage, a single seat bi-plane (designed after a WWI German fighter plane).  This was featured in the Newport Daily Express as it was transported in sections via flatbed through Main Street of Newport on its way to the airport for its maiden flight in 1974.  Obtaining his mechanic license, commercial pilot, and flight instructional license, Alden also worked as a Bush Pilot ferrying clients to the remote Canadian lakes for fishing and as a Corporate Pilot for Newport Executive Air.  He also was the private pilot for Gerald Bull, the man behind Space Research Corp., in North Troy, VT.  After 17 years working at Jay Peak, with 11 years being for Weyerhaeuser, he began work with the National Air Services Inc. at the Newport Airport, establishing the electrical repair shop and providing flight instruction.

Alden shared his love of flight through teaching countless students to fly.  He was, by all accounts, a gifted instructor, generous with both his time and expertise.  His instruction provided a solid foundation in flying, with many of his students going on to successful careers in aviation, as well as those who have pursued flying for pleasure and purpose.  Shortly after his career move to the airport, Alden became the Fixed-Base Operator and Manager of the Newport State Airport.  He was assisted by his wife, Marilyn who helped transform the airport with her hard work and skillful feminine touch, in addition to overall bookkeeping.  They were a true partnership in running the airport and flying together for business and pleasure.  Alden continued running the airport for over 20 years, retiring in 2001.  He was a member of the Pilots International Association, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and the Experimental Aircraft Association.

Upon retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife Marilyn, as well as his large network of friends, many of whom he had taught to fly.  His interest in aviation continued as he enjoyed sharing his wealth of expertise, donating his garage to assist a friend in building his own custom-built plane.  He was always working on a project, as he could build or fix anything.  He and his wife enjoyed more time to travel, and to spend with family, as well as their beloved cats.  A highlight in 2024 was sharing the total solar eclipse from his front yard with his dear friend Betsey (with whom he had made "The Eagle" ski movie 60 yrs prior), her husband, and Alden's friend Terry.

Alden was known and will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, huge bear hugs, marvelous sense of humor, generosity of his time and talent, love of friends, family and good food, and sense of adventure and courage.

Alden is predeceased by his parents Clarence and Annie Blanchard, son Dana Blanchard, first wife Elva (Spaulding) Blanchard, second wife Marilyn (Wilson) Blanchard, his six sisters: Marjorie Marois, Gwendolyn Benaroya, Muriel ("Dolly") Hudson, Delle Reilly, Jan (Alta) Allison, Claire Blanchard, and his niece Jane Housewright.

Alden is survived by his loving stepchildren David Painter of Tillsonburg, Ontario, Nancy Saunders and Grant Painter of Calgary, Alberta and John Painter of the US.  He is also survived by several loving nieces and a nephew: Lauren Fisher (husband Stephen) of Connecticut, Cynthia Miezis (husband Ron) of Maryland, Martha Wells (husband Randy) of Florida, Anne Schultz of Maryland, Anne Olson of Newport, VT and David Reilly of Oklahoma.

His family would like to give special thanks to Terry Grenier and Rita Fortin, his wonderful and attentive caregivers of the last several years, who he loved and who loved him as family, enabling him to remain in his home.  Much thanks also goes to Orleans/Essex VNA and Hospice Inc. for their compassionate care of Alden and their support to his family.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter.

Funeral services for Marilyn and Alden Blanchard will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, June 18th at the Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, 37 Lake Road, Newport VT, with Rev. David Lisner officiating.