Robert Clinton Blanche, 57, of West Linn, Oregon, moved into his next phase of existence surrounded by his closest loved ones on January 3, 2020 at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.
The youngest of five children, Robert was born to Mary Edith Blanche (Heavner) and Richard Keith Blanche on March 30, 1962 in Pomona, California, but spent most of his life in Oregon.
A lifelong artist and dedicated union activist, he is cherished by many he impacted with his fervent will to improve the lives of others. His energy, humor, brilliance, and magnetic, ever-positive personality will never be forgotten by those with whom he crossed paths.
Working in both Portland and Los Angeles, Robert was a prolific actor with nearly 100 credits, and will be remembered most from his recurring roles in the shows Grimm and Leverage. He brought his heart to every role he portrayed and was universally beloved by his cast and crewmates on so many sets. When he was not acting, he also spent time sharing his art and philosophy with other actors through his classes and coaching sessions.
Robert also dedicated many years of service to his acting union fighting to improve the lives of all his peers. He joined SAG (Screen Actors Guild) in 1995 and served as Portland SAG Branch President for many years pre-merger and Portland SAG-AFTRA Local President from 2017-2019. In addition to his work locally, he served as Vice Chair of the National SAGindie Committee from 2007 to 2008, and since 1996, he served as member or alternate of the TV/Theatrical, Low Budget and Agency committees.
Prior to and during his acting career, he also fronted the Portland-based band "Boys Next Door" as singer and guitarist, performing original songs and covers for hundreds of shows and events in the Portland area. Engaging his audiences and making people smile during his high-energy shows was just as important to him as expressing his creativity through music.
Most of all, Robert's heart was dedicated to his family. He is survived by his wife Christine Blanche and his five daughters whose ages span nearly three decades: Hayley (Ike) McGinnis, Emily (Ronnie) Manley, Carly (Tyler) Snow, Audrey Blanche and Miette Blanche. He was also blessed and elated to become a grandfather to Scarlett Snow, Walter McGinnis and Ro Manley. Robert is also survived by siblings Richard Blanche, Susan (Rex) Blanche-Kappler, and Rose (Geoff) Parks as well as numerous nieces, nephews and beloved extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Lorraine May and cousin Beverly Hillman.
Robert fought valiantly against the rare, progressive fibrotic lung disease Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis prior to undergoing a double lung transplant in the summer of 2018. Though the transplant was a final attempt to fight his terminal illness, the aftermath of his surgery was fraught with many serious complications. With superhuman grit and tenacity, he rallied through many close calls until it was time for him to move past his physical body. Through his medical journey, he and his family were blessed to forge many new connections and inspire others in the lung transplant community.
In honor of Robert, please register to be an organ donor at https://www.donatelife.net/register/.
A Great Actor and Person who will be Missed. Rest in Peace!
This is a late tribute to or friend and former neighbor, Robert Blanche. We knew him first as part of the Band, The Boys Next Door, latterly for us. He was a good friend, ans great neighbor with his (then) wife, Debbie Blanche.
We were both "helpers". Whe our two Corgi pups, Peter and Sean, escaped from our yard he ran to help us recapture the 4 legged escaping pups. He swore they were shouting, "free at last" with wind blowing in their ears Debbie, had a serious "house key" problem. Constantly locking herself out of the house. We became experts at the art od "B&E" in the house next door. Robert, gave us a house key after promising NOT to ever let Debbie have it.
We watched as our friend Robert became more than just the face of our friend and next door neighbor. Becoming more famous as he moved into more and more films and tv shows.
We gladly attended the fundraiser to help cover his medical bills.
We are sorry that this horrid disease eventually claimed our friend and former neighbor.
Rest well, Robert, you gave so much to so many. We are sorry we will never see your smile, hear your laugh or be with you again. Love to your girls, your wives, and all of thosewho benefited from your hard, unselfish work.
Unknown to him, Bob was my junior high crush. We reconnected and caught up at our 30th high school reunion. I am saddened to hear of his passing. He was an awesome guy. I loved his body of work in the film industry. We were lucky to have known him.
Barbara Merkel (nee Orr)
Bob taught me to drive a stick in his brother's Saab Sonett. Over the years it was wonderful to see him pop up in different places. Just a great guy with a lot of talent.
My wife and I have many fond memories dancing to the Boys Next Door at the Dublin Pub. We will remember Robert's energy and humor. Will raise a glass of beer this weekend for a "Primal Scream"!
So sad to hear this. Many many great memories with Robert back in the 90s. Nights at the Dublin Pub and Sundays playing basketball and plenty of other stuff mixed in. He had a smile and charisma smile that lit up a room. RIP my friend. Russ Sovde
I met Robert back in the early 1980's, as we did air banding together. Those days were great fun, and Robert always loved to perform as "Elvis" :). My heart is broken at the loss of a good man, the loss for his good wife and beautiful girls. May God keep him in his loving arms :)
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