Passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2011 with his family at his side at Scott & White Hospital, Temple, Texas at the age of 71. Beloved husband for 49 years of Johanna. Devoted father of Brigitte Blanchette-Thompson, Norman Blanchette and Christina Blanchette-Miller. Cherished grandfather of seven. He is remembered and missed by his family in Canada, Rose and Bill, Peter and Petrus, Fred and Fran, Joshua and Cameron and his extended family and friends. He loved his visits to Chippawa and surrounding Niagara District. Alwyn Joseph Blanchette was born November 20, 1939 in Edinburg, Texas to Alwyn J. Sr. and Evelyn M. (Sidwell) Blanchette. He retired from the US Army after serving over twenty years and did two tours of Vietnam. Bill married Johanna Schmidt in Ansbach, Germany on November 8, 1961. He was a member of the Military Historical Vehicle Society. Private family visitation was held on Thursday, February 10, 2011. Public visitation was held on Friday, February 11, 2011 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 211 W Ave B, Copperas Cove, TX from 9:30 am followed by a Military Service at 11:30 am and Military Honours at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 State Highway 195, Killeen, Texas.