Paul Raymond Blanchard III

Apr 21, 1993 - Nov 25, 2022

Paul Raymond Blanchard passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 25, 2022, at his home in White River Junction.

Paul had struggles. We won't go into those because his struggles were not who Paul was as a human being and we, his family, refuse to let it define him in death. He loved life and even in his worst days lived through the eyes of his son.

Paul was born on a beautiful spring day at Alice Peck Day Hospital. He brought joy and laughter to all who knew him. He had a laugh as big as the world. He was a kind, comedic light to all who knew him.

He loved music, especially 80's music, and attending concerts with his mom was one of his favorite things to do. They attended MANY together.

He also enjoyed laughing, and simply talking with his friends from every walk of life. Paul never refused a chance to engage with a stranger.  He loved all people. He was often seen riding the AT so he could meet people.

He spent half his life in the mountains of Appalachia near Spring Creek, NC with his Memaw learning about hunting, fishing, and living off the land. They gardened and preserved food and got back to the basics of Appalachian living.

Paul graduated from Hartford High School in 2011 and played football for the Hurricanes. He lived and worked in many restaurants in the Upper Valley during his short life.

Paul married Kelsea Edwards on September 26, 2015, and a few months later came his pride and joy, Rabon Don Carlisle Blanchard. Rabon was the light of Paul's life from the moment he entered the world.

Paul is survived by his son Rabon Don Carlisle Blanchard of Wilder; his mother SueEllen Hilliker-Parmenter and step-dad, Luke Parmenter of Wilder; his father Paul R. Blanchard, Jr. of Rutland; and his siblings, brother Joseph Hilliker-Earl of White River Jct., sister Makayla Blanchard of White River Jct., sister Ashley Macheski of Rutland, and sister Emily Macheski of Rutland; his grandparents Deborah Blanchard of Randolph, and Andrew and Nancy Hilliker of West Hartford, grandfather Paul Blanchard, Sr. and wife Lori of Florida; his aunts Crystal Hilliker "Aunt T" of West Hartford, and Jennifer and Valerie Blanchard of Randolph, VT; great aunt Janet Morrison of Barnet, VT; uncles Andrew C. Hilliker, II of Sharon, VT, and Lewis Blanchard of Florida; nieces and nephews who he was so proud of: Jaxon, Addie, and Emma; several cousins on both sides and five step siblings of who he would want mentioned, especially Jordan Parmenter and James Parmenter, who always treated Paul with love and respect and without judgement; Jim Parmenter "Papa Jim,"  who always simply treated him like a grandson and Paul always appreciated that; and his precious Mim Phyllis Call Regione, from West Lebanon NH.

Paul is predeceased by his maternal grandparents Janie Hilliker Coward and Rabon Don Coward, and April Dyer "Aunty Ape."

Paul loved Steve Perry and his favorite song was "Don't stop Believing."  If you are out there suffering with addiction and need help, know that help is out there. Reach out and never give up. Please don't ever stop believing you can recover.

Paul's calling hours will be from 6-8pm, Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction.

A private burial is scheduled in spring.