It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Michael J. Blanchard, a beloved and devoted father, son, brother and great friend who passed away after a long illness on May 18, 2026.
He was born on December 28, 1960. Growing up in the South End of Burlington, the seventh child of William and Claire Blanchard, Michael was a natural athlete, talented artist, writer and musician. He excelled in baseball, basketball, tennis, bowling and pretty much any sport he set his hand to. He was a graduate of Rice Memorial High School, class of 1979. He loved the music of Van Morrison.
He was a great conversationalist, witty, intelligent, funny and overall good company. Known as Blanch, Dash, Bean and the “cool” one in the family, Michael had a zest for living that came through in his personality, and anyone who met him felt the spark. Michael spent the majority of his working career at Burlington Electric Department, where he was a well-respected and loved coworker and mentor.
He studied art at Saint Michael’s College under Lance Richbourg, the “painter laureate of baseball.” Michael was a prolific artist, and his baseball paintings showcase his passion for the game. He was a huge New York Yankees fan. He sold scores of his paintings online over the past 25 years. He also painted landscapes, Vermont scenes, portraits of local and historical icons. Later in life he painted beautiful, colorful abstracts. He was also an avid collector of comic books, old books and vinyl records.
But mostly Michael was devoted to family. He was humble, hardworking, talented, loyal, funny, charismatic, charming, mysterious and, as he described himself, “just a man.”
He is survived by his devoted son, Ben Blanchard. Ben, also a natural athlete, was the pride and joy of Michael’s life. Michael is also survived by his brothers, William Blanchard Jr. (Valli) and Robert Blanchard (Linda); his sisters, Mary Jane Dion (Paul), Michele O’Neil (Michael), Anne Pratt (Richard), Martha Benoit (Lisa Wester), Denise Goldsborough (Brice) and Patricia Blanchard; and his nieces and nephews; as well as many, many friends.
Michael was predeceased by his parents, William and Claire Blanchard; and his nephews John Blanchard and Christopher Pratt.
There will be a celebration of Michael’s life to be announced at a later date.
We will really miss you, Michael. We love you forever.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the McClure Miller Respite House, 1110 Prim Rd., Colchester, VT 05446, in memory of Michael J. Blanchard.
This article appears in Animal Issue • 2026.