Benjamin Marquette Blanchard's Obituary
Benjamin Marquette Blanchard, age 33, of New Orleans, LA., was received into his Father’s arms on Monday, January 4, 2016, at his parents’ home in Covington, LA. Ben’s passion for life and his love of his family and many, many friends allowed him to persevere through his long and courageous battle with cancer. Ben lived his life to the fullest and “Never Retreated and Never Surrendered” from any of the many obstacles that his illness presented him.
Ben is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Edward Blanchard (Susan Heintz) and his brother Christopher G. Blanchard of New Orleans. He is survived by his maternal grandmother, Elizabeth L. Blanchard, of Houma, the family’s pet, Buddy, maternal aunt Cindy Heintz, uncles Fred and Ted Heintz (Judy), paternal uncle William (Ellen) Blanchard as well as numerous adoring cousins.
His maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. L.T. Heintz, Jr. of Covington and paternal grandfather, John M. Blanchard of Houma, preceded him in death.
Ben is a graduate of Saint Paul’s High School and Louisiana State University. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, having served as President in 2002/2003 and was a member of the Alumni Board until the time of his death. Ben received the Greek Excellence Award from LSU in 2015. He served on the Board of Directors of Success Preparatory Academy, Charter School of New Orleans since its inception in 2008. Ben was a Vice President of Van Weelde Chartering, having opened their New Orleans office in 2006 after beginning his career in Rotterdam, Holland. An avid duck hunter and saltwater fisherman, Ben was passionate about LSU sports, Mardi Gras and loved spending time at his family’s home in Grand Isle, La. He was a member of several Mardi Gras organizations.
Ben mentored and inspired many young businessmen and was a constant cheerleader and inspiration to those, who like him, battled cancer. Ben leaves a legacy of love of family, friends and his God.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Saint Paul's School Briggs Assembly Center, 920 South Jahncke Avenue, Covington, LA 70433.
Visitation is Wednesday, January 6, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Saint Paul's School Briggs Assembly Center and on Thursday, January 7, 2016 from 9:00 AM to service time.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, Ben has requested donations to Success Preparatory Academy, 2011 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112 or Saint Paul’s School, 917 S Jahncke Ave, Covington, LA 70433 or LSU Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, P.O. Box 25365, Baton Rouge, LA 70894.
The pallbearers will be Robert Frederiks, John Alford, Charles Harvey, John Rills, Jeremy Vasquez, Patrick Maher, Craig Bernick and Scott Levy. Honorary pallbearers are Major Person and Christopher Rodrigue.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Share a memory on the tribute wall at ejfieldingfh.com.
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