Roll Call Tribute

David Fred "Dave" Blanchard 

July 22, 1944 - March 16, 2025 

David Fred “Dave” Blanchard was born in Farmington, Maine, lived in Florida, surveyed the State of Texas, and ultimately settled his family in the Land Of Enchantment. Throughout his life, Dave made sure his family knew how much he loved Maine and would tell what he called "little boy stories" — giving his family a glimpse into his childhood, deep love for his family (especially his grandparents) and the love he felt for the place he always considered home. He was especially proud of his family history, dating back to before the Revolutionary War, always making it a point to visit the family cemeteries in Maine to pay his respects. After graduating high school, Dave received a Bachelor's degree from Georgia Tech and a Master's degree from Texas A&M University. Dave then settled in Tallahassee, Florida where he met Cathy, his wife of 47 years. They married in 1978 and welcomed their daughter, Charity, in 1980. The three moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico where Dave taught Civil Engineering at New Mexico State University. In 1982 he and Cathy welcomed their son, William. Eventually, the family moved to Radium Springs where Dave resided until his death on March 16, 2025.

Passionate about his career, Dave opened his civil engineering and surveying company in 1987. He took pride in his work and reputation, being known for being forthright and professional in all his dealings. He was often heard to say, "You are only as good as your word."

Though he was busy building a business, Dave always made time for his family. The house was filled with laughter and jokes; he loved to play tricks on his family and engaged in more than one practical joke war with William. He fully believed that "Laughter is the best medicine" and could ease any tense situation by making a clever pun or turning a situation on its ear by making fun of it. He made time for both his children — during her middle and high school years, he and Charity could be found most Sunday mornings out on a horseback ride through the desert or having "Breakfast with the Boys" at his Saturday morning breakfast club. In later years horseback riding and breakfast were replaced with lunches at Si Senor whenever Charity was in town ... always beginning with a guacamole salad and ending with too many sopapillas. Though not an athlete, Dave delighted in William's love of sports; he put up a basketball hoop and played countless games of HORSE. When it came to soccer, it was comical to watch Dave and William practice dribbling and shooting while Jed the black lab played goalie. Dave and Cathy attended every soccer, baseball and basketball game and his standard cheer of "Good Job Bud" could often be heard across the field.

In his later years, Dave enjoyed traveling and exploring. He would take trips to explore the Southwest, finding the history and the landscape just as enchanting as he had in his youth. Every few years he and his family would return to Maine where he would drive them around to the important places of his youth, giving life and color to those "little boy stories." In 2024 Dave checked a major item off his bucket list when he and Cathy took their family to England and Scotland. Dave visited the Prime Meridian — a pilgrimage he had always wanted to make.

Dave was a unique man, blending a mix of his State of Maine heritage and the Western way of life he chose. His spirit and love of both of these places will live on in the loved ones he leaves behind: His wife, Cathy, daughter, Charity, son and daughter-in-law, William and Denise, and his granddaughter, Emma. Dave was preceded in death by his mother and father, Elizabeth and Fred, and his sister, Jeanette. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com