George "Bill" William Blanchard

George William Blanchard, known as Bill, age 92 of Petoskey, passed away May 24, 2016, surrounded by his family. Bill was a devoted husband and father, who was dearly loved and had many good friends.

Bill was born in Traverse City, Michigan to William and Zeneda (Amiotte) Blanchard, March 21, 1924. As a boy, he was active in scouting, attending the Boy Scout National Jamboree in DC when he was 12 and playing several competitive sports in high school. He graduated from Traverse City High School in 1942 and entered Michigan State College. However, that was interrupted when he joined the Army Air Corps for three years, serving with the 9th Weather Squadron. He returned to Michigan State College following his service, and remained an avid supporter of all MSU teams.

On September 5, 1947, he married Phyllis Baynton, at the Central Methodist Church in Traverse City. After living in East Lansing to attend MSU, they returned to Traverse City. Bill worked for Parts Manufacturing and Pyrofax Gas Co. In 1960, with their four children, they moved to Petoskey, where Bill was the Area Manager for Petgas Co., Cities Service Oil Co., and later retired from Occidental Petroleum in 1983. Following that Bill established a consulting firm, GW Associates, working several years for Northwest Propane. He was very active in state and national LP Gas activities. He was past President of the Michigan Propane Gas Association and represented Michigan as a member of the National Board of Directors for 13 years. Bill was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church and served many years as Chairman of the Finance Committee and Administrative Board. He was a former member of the Lions Club, the City Recreation Commission, and past President of the Camp Daggett Board. For 25 years, Bill and Phyllis spent winters in Venice, Florida. They were members of the Bird Bay Community and Waterford Golf Club, where they played golf and tennis. Bill and Phyllis were also members of the Petoskey Bay View Country Club for over 50 years. Bill was an ardent fisherman. He and good friend, Dick Sequin, spent many hours on their boat, “Ladybug”, on Little Traverse Bay. They were very generous sharing their catches with friends and neighbors. He loved playing Bridge, and organized a group that played biweekly at the Friendship Center. He also participated in the exercise classes and enjoyed socializing afterwards. Watching sports, attending local games, and more recently, listening to PHS games on the radio, were some of Bill’s favorite pastimes. He also enjoyed reading mystery novels and biographies. Bill was alert and enjoyed life up to end.

Bill is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of 68 years, son Jeffrey of Petoskey, daughter Janifer of Petoskey, daughter Sally of Harbor Springs, daughter Cynthia (Tom) Zipp of Petoskey, grandchildren Kali and Jeffrey, great grandchild Emilia, his sister Betty Riley (Richard) of Surprise, AZ, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Bill Golden, and niece Linda Riley.

A memorial service is planned at the Petoskey United Methodist Church on Saturday June 4, 2016. The family will greet friends at 10 AM with a service at 11:00 AM.

Memorial donations may be directed to Petoskey United Methodist Church (PUMC), or Emmet County Friendship Center (ECFC).

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