Person:Kenneth Blanchard (1)

An obituary for Kenneth Blanchard was published in the National City News weekly newspaper on 25 January 1919 on page 1. The obituary reads:

"CAPT. K.L. BLANCHARD

"The following tribute to the memory of the late Capt. Kenneth Blanchard was written by Judge Gibson of the firm of Gibson & Woolner, leading attorneys of Oakland:

"The news of the death in France of Kenneth L. Blanchard comes as a shock to his many friends. Having graduated with high honors in our State University and finished his legal course, he had entered upon the practice of law in this city, with high hopes and bright prospects. He was a patriot as well as a student and voluntarily went to the front in distant France to his duty as an American soldier.

"Young Blanchard was a beautiful character, educated, refined, courteous and of pleasing manners. The mien and bearing of this stalwart young American marked him as a superior man, ambitious, full of life and vim and courage, he moved to his task, no matter how difficult, fearlessly. He inspired confidence; he devoted his life largely to study. He was a diligent student, having finished his legal course and been admitted to practice in our highest courts; he held a proud position among the younger members of the bar, respected and admired by all, and really loved by those who knew him best. He possessed a splendid personality, slender, sinewy, keen-eyed, alert, quick and comprehending yet possessing a calm dignity and gentle demeanour that won admiration. Our country was forced into the greatest war the world has ever known, seemingly involving the future of civilization and freedom of humanity. Daily, he became more restless, he said 'I must go. I feel it my duty; I can not hesitate longer,' and all the bright prospects of a brilliant professional career are cast aside. He goes to the front; he rises rapidly in rank, becomes a lieutenant and then adjutant of the command with which he serves and is three times cited and honored for distinguished bravery. Thus adding fame to the American Army and honor in the Flag.

"With tears in our hearts we lingeringly say - Good-bye, Noble American Patriot; may your example be an inspiration to young American manhood everywhere."