Gary F. Blanchard, 77, of Westampton, NJ passed away on Jan. 23, 2016. He was born July 25, 1938, grew up in Portland and Peaks Island, ME and graduated from Portland High School in 1956. Gary embraced life with passionate optimism and encouraged others to do the same. In that spirit, he raised three children with his wife of 27 years, Juanita and his longtime companion of 25 years, Marge Schwartz. He is survived by his children Brent (Lisa) of Medford Lakes, Anne, Cinnaminson and Amy Dreyer (Mike) of FL; grandchildren, Spencer, Jackson, Jeanne, Tucker, Thomas, Jacob, Cooper; sisters, Pamela Isrow (Craig), Maybelle Blanchard, Mary Roussel (Andy); sister-in-law Diane Dussault and brother-in-law, Lewellyn “ Lewie” Rose; nieces, nephews and their families and friends. He was predeceased by his brother Allen Dussault, and sister Jalna (Jill) Rose.   Gary was an early supporter of the Civil Rights movement and remained politically and socially active throughout his life. He enlisted in the US Navy and upon discharge, moved to St. Petersburg working as a police reporter for the St. Pete Times; received a Nelson Poynter Scholarship to attend University of North Carolina, graduating with honors; was a writer and co-editor of the college newspaper, The Daily Tar Heel; awarded a Fellowship to the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs in Princeton, NJ; earned his Master’s Degree and completed post-graduate studies at University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.   Gary spent the last 50 years living in New Jersey, wrote for the Burlington County Times and founded Blanchard Associates, a management consultant firm, serving as project manager for the Burlington Township Municipal Building. He also worked for the State of NJ for 16 years as a management trainer, and was instrumental in establishing what has become the Certified Public Manager Program at Rutgers University.   He enjoyed "Exploring Sundays" with his kids discovering new places to visit and things to do. His fondest memories were of family time spent sailing, playing tennis and taking summer car trips to New England and across the country. Forever the journalist, he delighted in documenting life’s many events, continuously taking photographs and making videos of his kids and grandkids.   He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him, while memories of him will be forever treasured. A celebration of Gary's life will be held at 12pm, Mar. 19, 2016 at Unitarian Universalist Church, 401 N. Kings Hwy, Cherry Hill, NJ.   Donations in his memory may be made to Southern Poverty Law Center, www.splcenter.org . To share a memory, please visit www.mountlaurelfuneralhome.com .