Passed peacefully away at the Palliative Care Unit, Miller Centre on May 22, 2014, Ted Blanchard, age 84. Predeceased by his mother, Gertrude Blanchard, and his first wife, Joyce Blanchard. Left with fond and loving memories, his wife Maureen Buckle, sons: Ted (Phoebe Bartlett), Paul (Julie Cork), Newmarket, ON, Craig (friend Pauline Jensen), Dave (Sing Lee), daughter Kimberley (Steve Peddle), grandchildren: Teddy, Mark, Kathryn and Michelle Blanchard; Rachelle Cork, Jake and Matt Blanchard; Allison Blanchard and her mother Susan; Josh and Luke Peddle and many other relatives and friends. Ted was a well known musician, rower, labor mediator and politician. As a provincial public servant he was the chief negotiator for the Treasury Board and led the Department of Labour as the Asst. Deputy Minister, Deputy Minister and ultimately Minister of Labour (MHA Bay of Islands District 1985-1989). He was also very involved with the Royal St. John's Regatta as a committee member, rower, coxswain and coach. As well, Ted was an accomplished musician playing on radio since the 1950's (Saturday Night Jamboree and Happy Valley Gang), television (All Around The Circle) and was a member of many musical groups including The Three Strings and Crooked Stove Pipe. He also volunteered his fiddling talents at seniors residences throughout St. John's for 25 years. As such he was recognized by the Folk Arts Council with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Resting at Carnell's Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Rd with visitation on Saturday, May 24 from 1-5 p.m. and Sunday, May 25 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Monday, May 26, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Anglican Cathedral. Interment to follow at the Anglican Cemetery, Forest Rd. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in his memory may be made to the Lung Association NL. The Blanchard family invites you to join us in a musical celebration of Ted's life. The event will take place at Bally Haly Golf & Curling Club on Logy Bay Road on Monday May 26th from 3 p.m. and extending into the evening. Special thanks to the warm and supportive medical care shown at St. Clare's and at PCU, and especially to his family doctor, Dr. Pat O'Shea. Ted and family loved you all for your amazing patience and support. To send a message of condolence or to sign the memorial guestbook please visit www.carnells.com