Obituary of Blanford Billard

It is with great sadness that the family of the late Blanford Billard announce his passing on April 14th, 2024, at Dr. Charles L. LeGrow with his loving family by his side at the age of 70. Born in Isle aux Morts, Blanford was the son of the late Joseph Robert & Lorena (Nee Walters) Billard. Blanford leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories, his wife of 49 years, Doreen (nee Organ) Billard, his children, Darcy (April) Billard, Randy (Tonya) Billard, and Kendra (Aaron) Roberts, his grandchildren, Will, Gina, Georgia, Jesse, Kaitlyn, and Aleah. Blanford will also be missed by brothers and sisters, Joseph (Shirley) Billard, Calvin Billard (Roxanne Seymour), Shirley Evans, Martha Jane Lawrence, brothers and sisters in law, Harriett Warren, Ann (Keith) Windsor, Wesley (Bonnetta) Organ, and Blaine (Agnes) Organ, his beloved dog, Jasper, plus large circle of nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. Blanford was predeceased by his brothers, Percy Billard and John (Melita) Billard, sister, Georgina Hayman, brothers in law, Wilfred Hayman, Seaward Lawrence, Maxwell Evans, and his mother and father in law, Monford and Ella Organ. Blan was a teacher/principal for 33 years at his beloved LeGallais Memorial. Anyone who had the pleasure of working with him would say he enriched their teaching career, and left a very positive impact on his many students. Blan had a deep dedication and pride for his hometown. He had an extensive volunteer record, and always was ready with his next big idea for his treasured Isle aux Morts. Always a lover of sports , he was a coach at LeGallais Memorial , enjoyed playing golf, hockey, softball and let's not forget the annual Billard waterfight at the valley cottage with his kids and "poppy's 6 fortunes". Well known for his sarcasm , wit and sense of humor, with his wife they founded the well known "Da Koodens" troop. He had so much fun putting off these dinner theatres annually for 11 years. Even the "mandatory" practices that he scheduled would make his friends roll their eyes. A committed loving family man, who thoroughly enjoyed when he could have his children and grandkids all under the same roof. His wife Doreen, who was the love of his life for 54 years, married for 49 years. She was the most important person to him, he loved her endlessly. Even when he was referred to sarcastically as "St. Blanford" or "Senator Billard" Blan had a wide circle of friends, some so close they were family. And as we all know to well how he dearly loved his leafs. What fun was had every NHL season. "This just might be the year" he'd say. Go Leafs Go! Visitations will take place on Tuesday, April 16th from 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m from Holy Spirit Anglican Church, Isle aux Morts. The funeral service will take place Wednesday, April 17th at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Ken Abbot officiating. Interment to follow at Hillside Haven Cemetery. Flowers accepted or donations made in Blanford's memory may be made to Holy Spirit Anglican Church. Words of comfort can be sent to the family by visiting www.oceansidefh.ca