Name: Neptune Society
Address: Houston, TX

I was just going to look up his contact information because I was going to use him as a reference for a job. Learning of his passing is heartbreaking.  
I was in his communications class and he always encouraged me. Even though I never met him in person, he came through as a gentle and kind soul. 
I will never forget you Professor Blanchard.
Condolences to his family and may God console their hearts.

I will always remember taking my communication class with Dr. Walter Blanchard. I had no idea that the class would be my favorite and that Dr. Blanchard would be one of my favorite professors. He was very understanding and engaging in the work I would produce. His questions and perspectives on topics were intriguing and special. He always questioned and responded to my work. His feedback was kind, and knowledgable and would push me to think outside of just my perspective.  I am very grateful to have experienced his teachings and accepted his perspective. I was not able to tell him that his class and teachings inspired me to possibly pursue becoming an educator. However, I was able to communicate with Dr. Walter Blanchard and interact with the coursework discussions that I needed at that time to evolve. It all matched up perfectly with the hardships I was going through and neglecting. Though I didn't know him very well, I could tell that he was a great listener and enjoyed hearing others' perspectives and offering his own as well. His class was special to me and He allowed me to utilize the tools needed for me to grow. 
As a person and as a student.
Through his words and teachings.
And for that I am grateful 
God bless his family and friends and may he rest in Peace. <3

Dr. Walter Blanchard. You were my favorite teacher at University of Houston-Downtown. I took all of your classes and you were always so helpful and kind. You were always the first teacher I’d recommend when students asked what classes they should take! I remember when I was having a bad week mentally and you extended all of my assignments. I remember how inspired I felt through your story and your life accomplishments. Tonight I am sad to know you have passed, but I am forever grateful to have known such a wonderful soul. Thank you for being a light on this earth and being one of the few with the best intentions and the greatest energy. I know now that you are with your daughter reunited at last.  May your inspiration, teachings, and memories live on forever. Rest in heaven 🙏

My brother, Walter was someone I always looked up to. He was a thoughtful, kind person I could always talk to. I'm fortunate to him always being there in my life. Walter had a keen intelligence and level of empathy, enabling him to help so many people over many years.

Walter was my older brother and my best friend. I will miss him always.

Terry Blanchard

Thomas Christmas 2009 - Walter and Liam deep in conversation.  Those family get togethers won't be the same without Walter's presence.  He was loved and will be missed.

With love,
Deborah Beange and Keri Cooper

Thomas Christmas 2009 - Walter and Liam deep in conversation.  Those family get togethers won't be the same without Walter's presence. 

With love,
Deborah and Keri

Walter and Susan were two of my absolute favorite guests at my Carrabba’s in Copperfield. He told some of the best stories and made me think differently. 
I’m so sad to hear of his passing and will pray that he and Susan are reunited in heaven. They both will be missed deeply.

I’m so sorry to hear about Mr. Blanchard’s passing. Yes, at 52 years old, he is still Mr . Blanchard to me ❤️ I grew up with Michelle and connected with Mrs. Blanchard after her passing… I didn’t realize Mrs. B had passed as well until recently. They were such a kind family and a big part of my childhood and life; and in some ways helped shape who I am today. My sincere condolences to Mike and the rest of the family. While heartbreaking, I find peace in knowing he’s with Michelle and Mrs. Blanchard. 

Eliza Kang-Barron

Walter Blanchard Remembrance and Celebration of Life 
Saturday, October 14 @ 4pm-?
Star Pizza-Upstairs- 2111 Norfolk St, Houston, TX 77098

We extend an invitation to friends, family and acquaintances to join us for a celebration of Walter Blanchard’s life. We’ll be sharing our favorite stories about Walter and remembering the important roles he played in helping those he came in contact with daily. Our intention is to show that as long as we remember him, a piece of him will always be with us. 

All are welcome as we look forward to sharing funny and/or uplifting stories about Walter to remind us all it’s okay to smile through tears. 

Please RSVP with YES to 832-630-1059

Walter and Susan were important to our Sunday Connections group at Unity of Houston.  With Walter's eloquence and gravitas, we quickly realized we wanted him to speak to our group, which he did several times.  He was always prepared, knowledgeable, entertaining, deep and wise.  Often he brought donuts, which we appreciated.  Walter was effective at helping people with grief and conveyed compassion and understanding.  Although we are sad that he and Susan are no longer with us, we are happy they are together again.  
        Thanks for all you shared with us Walter and Susan.  We will continue to remember you both and think of you with fond respect and high regard.  We love you.  
                                                                             Rev. Shirley at Unity of Houston

I met Walter with Susan at my grief group after the loss of their daughter. Even though he was there for his own comfort, he was able to offer so much comfort and insight to the group’s members, myself included. He became an integral part of our community when he and Susan started their own group. He touched many people’s lives with his dedication and passion for helping others navigate their grief journey. Walter became a friend over the years, and I loved hearing his stories. The deep love he had for his family and friends was so evident when he shared these stories. He will be greatly missed by myself and all who were lucky enough to have known him. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Walter.

I had only known Walter for a couple months but very quickly realized what a kind and caring man he was. He was a great story teller... so detailed and interesting....always with a smile on his face. We talked for hours. Wish so much that I had gotten the opportunity to spend more time with him.
Walter, you will be greatly missed! Happy Birthday my friend:)

Walter was a loving uncle to me as well as husband, father, grandfather, and brother.  He and Susan loved traveling and fishing in Colorado, and it was always fun when our Colorado trips overlapped and we could see each other there.   He kept our Colorado cabin looking great by planting fresh plants each year and keeping the hummingbirds fed.
Walter was always fun to have at our annual holiday gatherings.  He was thoughtful, easy to talk to, and enjoyed being around the family. He could tell stories about anything, and he always made them interesting and engaging. 
Walter was a wonderful uncle, and I am so grateful for the memories I have of him.

My deepest condolences and prayers to the family. I was a student of Professor Blanchard  and his teachings were very impactful to my studies in communications. I appreciated him taking the time out to really communicate with me and give me meaningful feedback of my work to make me a stronger and more effective writer. I pray the family continues to reflect on the life and legacy he leaves behind as a whole and gets complete peace in knowing that his legacy lives on in the students he helped.

Walter was a loving husband to my sister Susan for 56 years. They enjoyed many adventures together over the years, including hunting and fishing in Colorado and Alaska.
He traveled widely in his work, and while doing genealogy research on our families. He was a good cook, and was known for his seafood gumbo. He cooked for Susan and was a dedicated caregiver for her for the last years of her life. He assumed total responsibility for her care, and was there for her every need.
He will be missed, but we know he is at peace and will be reunited with his family in Heaven.

One of my favorite Walter stories would be the last one he told me about his first date with Susan, he told it so passionately then we laughed afterwards, 
Walter also held an extra special place in my son’s heart too which I’ll always cherish. 
His thirst for continuous learning and sharing was inspiring to so many, myself included.
We’re all going to miss you!
Love,
Liz

I met Walter when he began dating my sister, Susan, in high school. He was the handsome face of Houston Boy Scouting on a huge billboard on I-45. Susan was tall, poised and beautiful. They were devoted to each other for life. When Susan became very ill later in life, Walter was at her side, caring lovingly for her 24/7 until her passing. I am so grateful for the joy they shared in life and for Walter's tender care as she left this world. I am sad for the loss of Walter, but it comforts me that he and Susan are now sharing eternity.

Walter was a beloved member at Unity of Houston. 
He started  and facilitated our survivors of suicide support group.
He brought comfort, understanding, compassion, and wisdom to this group.
He always had a kind word and a willingness to listen and help in anyway he could.
He will be deeply missed by so many.
Love and Blessings,
Cindy Cline

I just took Dr. Blanchard's class in the Summer of 2023. He was the nicest and most easygoing guy I have ever had at UHD. His class was my favorite and asked questions and responses that I really liked. He was a really cool guy, something I will remember as I graduate this December. May he rest in peace. Love to his family and friends.

You will be missed buddy.  You will be missed on the phone calls.  You will be missed on the fishing trips.  You played a role in my life that no one could have ever of done like you did.  I am forever grateful for your friendship.  You left me so many moments in life to remember you by....and that is the best gift you can leave a friend.  Tight Lines Forever.
Jack

I will never forget your love for the outdoors! Your passion for fishing clearly rubbed off on Michael. I will never forget our river fishing trip a few years ago, with you, Michael, and Ricky. Being allowed on a “boys” trip with you all, meant the world to me! I know it hurt all your prides when I outfished y’all! Haha!

Rest in peace Walter. I love you! You will be missed!

When I was a young man experiencing my first heart break there was one person in particular who I’ll never forget being there and the impact their presence made on my life. Walter came to comfort me when I was feeling absolutely devastated and gave me not only real life advice but also just his love. Him being there for me when I hardly knew him at the time and how absolutely genuine he was, that was the most heartwarming  experience for me and exactly what I needed to get myself to overcome what I was experiencing. I will always hold that memory of him near and dear to my heart along with the many other memories I’ve made with him since then. He was truly a blessing in my life and an honor to have him be apart of it.

Walter was like a Dad to me.  He always had time to help with my thoughts, especially when my Dad passed.  

May you be in Peace and Keep Fishing on my Friend!

Frank Jr. 

OBITUARY

Walter Blanchard

September 20, 1945 – August 29, 2023

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