William Alexander Blanch passed away peacefully June 11, 2012 at Regina General Hospital at the age of 68. Bill was born in Humboldt Sept. 3, 1943 to Leo & Cecelia Blanch. He received his elementary schooling at Banner and his high school at St. Peter's College.Bill's love of learning led him to teach, and his greatest reward came from tutoring foreign students through the University of Regina. His patience and knowledge of the English language helped these students to receive university degrees.Bill and his wife Maggie enjoyed some traveling but they always preferred the quiet solitude of their cabin at Katepwa where they spent many weekends and summers. Bill loved to read and write, many articles were passed on to family and friends and at the end of each day notes were written in his journals.A memorial service was held at St. Gertrude led by DonnaLee Bergerman long time friend of Bill's, a family tribute was given by Bill's sister Colleen Gray and brother Murray Blanch. Bill's wife Maggie gave cherished memories of their life together and a former foreign student talked about his great relationship with Bill as a teacher and friend, he referred to Bill as his "Canadian Father".Beautiful singing was done by Barb Saretsky, Bill's Aunt and her daughters Marie, Joan, Jackie, Emily and Kate.Bill is survived by his wife of 35 years Maggie of Regina, his mother Cecelia Blanch of St. Mary's Villa in Humboldt, three bothers and four sisters, Murray (Stefanie) Blanch of Saskatoon, Anne (Joe) Menz of Humboldt, Karen (Allan) Korte of Saskatoon, Mary (Roger) Hofmann of Muenster, Pat (Sharon) Blanch of Muenster, George (Dawn) Blanch of Humboldt and Colleen (Tom) Gray of Muenster and numerous nieces and nephews.Bill was predeceased by his father Leo Blanch, sisters Bernadette Danchilla and Joan Blanch in infancy, brother in-law Don Danchilla, mother and father in-law Robert & Hilda MacRae.Bill will be remembered by his dedication, kindness, loyalty, love of learning and compassion for others.Donations can be made to the ALS Society of Saskatchewan, 90C Cavendish St. Regina, SK S4N 5G7.
