Zach Blanchard

Zachary "Zach" Blanchard passed away on Mon day, April 11, 2022 at the age of 21. He is survived by his parents, Carey and Susan; and his brothers,Josh and Adam. Zach graduated from Albuquerque Academy in 2020, and attended Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA as an engineering major. At the young age of seven, Zach joined the Albuquerque Boy Choir, which kicked off his love for music and theater. Zach performed in Carmen with Opera Southwest at the age of nine, then again with The Santa Fe Opera at age 13. He dabbled in many instruments but found his favorite instrument to be his voice. In high school, he sang in the Albuquerque Academy choirs and performed in theater as well. He joined8 Young Voices of the Santa Fe Opera to continue his vocal training. At Cal Poly, he sang with the advanced choral group, Polyphonics, and loved singing with the acapella choir, That's the Key, just for fun.

Zach's strong bond with his brothers held the threesome together during the pandemic, and he introduced them and Carey to One Wheels, which kept them outdoors and busy during the shutdown. He helped his brothers play in the stock market, introduced the entire family to a variety of great music, he read, researched, and learned every chance he got.

Friends of Zach best remember him as "an amazing singer but even better friend, he had a smile for everyone and so many amazing ideas". His parents feel blessed to have been given the honor of raising such a kind, talented, and smart son, who brought music and happiness into their lives. Josh and Adam adored Zach for his wisdom, guidance, great fun and humor. Zach believed in social and economic equality and environmental protection for the benefit of all. The world has lost one of its finest much earlier than it should have.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, April 24, 2022, 3:00 p.m., at FRENCH-Wyoming with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, we know Zach would appreciate donations to the Cal Poly Choirs https://deanofstudents.calpoly.edu/memoriam

Zachary Blanchard was involved in That's The Key club and Polyphonics Choir program at Cal Poly. Those who wish to donate in his memory can give in the following ways:

That's The Key:

Visit Support Cal Poly. Under Designations, select "Select College(s) and Program(s) from Pop-Up Menu." Choose “Other-Write Fund Name Below” and then type in That’s the Key after pressing continue.

PolyPhonics Choir donations:

Visit Choir donation link, and add a note “In memory of Zach Blanchard" in the box that says: "Please tell us if you have any special requests for your donation."