Blanchard was the 24th Director to join the Board and began his service on March 15, 1968, marking the start of an extraordinary 55-year tenure dedicated to Four County EMC and the communities we serve. He retired on October 9, 2023, and continued to hold the honorary title of Director Emeritus in recognition of his exceptional leadership and lifelong commitment.

During his remarkable service, Mr. Blanchard guided the cooperative through periods of growth, innovation, and transformation. He served as Board President for 21 years (1983–2004), providing steady leadership, strong governance, and a heartfelt commitment to member-focused service.

“Mr. Blanchard embodied the very best of cooperative leadership. His dedication, humble spirit, and genuine commitment to our members set a standard that will guide Four County EMC for generations. We are deeply grateful for his service and profoundly saddened by this loss,” said Don Gatton, CEO of Four County EMC

In addition to his local contributions, Mr. Blanchard represented Four County EMC on numerous statewide boards and committees. His involvement included the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives (NCAEC), and the Tar Heel Membership Association (TEMA). He also served on the Rural Electric Action Program (REAP) Committee, reflecting his deep dedication to the broader electric cooperative network and its mission to improve the lives of rural North Carolinians.

“Mr. Blanchard embodied the very best of cooperative leadership. His dedication, humble spirit, and genuine commitment to our members set a standard that will guide Four County EMC for generations. We are deeply grateful for his service and profoundly saddened by this loss.”

Mr. Blanchard’s legacy is defined by integrity, service, and compassion. His decades of leadership leave a lasting imprint on our cooperative and on all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Blanchard family. Four County EMC will forever be grateful for his extraordinary dedication and the meaningful impact he made on our co-op and its members.