June 21, 2017

Hey Mark,

I just want to wish you a Happy 60th Birthday and hope you do something special on this day, because it is special and you are a “special” person.

When I look back over the years, and I’m talking about 44 years when we went to High School at Cathedral, I remember you driving the blue Ford Fairlane and having the long blond hair. We all wore our hair long back in the early 70’s. I also remember how proud I was to part of your wedding, even though I had just broken my leg and on crutches. We received a lot a laughs at the reception with 4-white guys trying to dance to “My Girl” by the Temptations.

I can remember when you and Dad met me at the Herff Jones Corporate office shortly after I got my job in 1980. You saw my office and we all went to lunch together. You both made me feel so good and were excited for me. We have lots of good memories together at holidays, weddings, vacations, hiking and biking together.

I’m proud of you and who you have become as a husband, father, grandfather, successful Leader at Compassion and devoted follower of God. Dad would be very proud of his son, as I am of my brother-in-law…….and I consider you my brother. You have touched and have been a positive influence to so many people including myself. Looking forward to many more years when we can spend more time together as our careers begin to wind down. Enjoy your 60th Birthday!!

Kevin

Hi! I just wanted to give a shout out to my first cousin as he celebrates a milestone birthday this June 28th! Mark was my first cousin friend growing up in the Blanchard extended family. Summers in the 60's and 70's were spent in either Indianapolis or Orland Park when we had youth working for us. I remember riding bikes to Broad Ripple Pool. (That's when Mark learned that a belt does not make a very good bicycle lock) I remember Mark and I singing Beatle Songs and enjoying the soundtrack of our younger days. I remember Mark, Jimmy, and myself helping his Uncle Ray (My Dad) with home improvement jobs, (both Holly Ct and Grandma Doran's House), I remember attending Family picnics with Mark in Lafayette Indiana, and extended family weddings with Mark which usually included a Crash on the Highway from his Late Great Uncle Ray! We wrapped up our teenage years by joining the Air Force together before life took us in different directions.