Obituary of Bruce Blanchard

WESTFIELD - Bruce Blanchard, age 57, died Monday evening, May 19, 2014, following an extended illness and was surrounded by his family at home in Westfield, where he lived with his cousin, best friends and caregivers, Trudy and Wade Gollnitz. Bruce was born in Westfield on December 9, 1956 a son of Clara (Ecker) Blanchard of Mayville and the late Norman C. Blanchard, who died in 1990. He attended Mayville High School and received professional training as a Hairdresser and as a Certified Health Care Aide. He had lived in the Tampa and Clearwater areas of Florida where he was employed both as a hairdresser and as a personal care aide for the elderly. He moved to Washington State for a brief time and returned to Chautauqua County in the very early 1980's. While in Westfield, Bruce had been employed at the former Westfield Health Care Center as an Aide and at Westfield Schools as a custodian, and had been a self employed hairdresser. He had also worked for many years at Wade's Service Center on North Portage St., in Westfield. Bruce enjoyed arts and crafts, working in his flower garden and also the greatness and beauty of the outdoors and nature. He was a member of the Loyal order of Moose Lodge #118 of Westfield. Besides his mother, Clara of Mayville, Bruce is survived by his six siblings; Bill (Sandy) Blanchard of Mayville, Ann (Sonny) Keel of Tampa, FL, Donna (Scott) VanGiesen of Graham, WA, Ted Blanchard of Sherman, NY, Robert "Bob" (Kathy) Blanchard of Mayville and Tina (Boyd) Whitney of Sherman, NY. Many nieces and nephews also survive. Friends are invited to a combination Benefit/Celebration of life for Bruce on Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 12-6 PM at the Westfield Moose Lodge, 19 Clinton St., Westfield. Memorials may be left with Bruce's family during that time or may be sent to: Trudy Gollnitz, 4 Bourne St., Westfield, NY 14787. Private burial will be in Mayville Cemetery. Funeral assistance has been entrusted to the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton St., Westfield, NY 14787. Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send Bruce's family a message of sympathy, to light a Memorial Candle or for further information.