Landaff, NH- Gene René Blanchette, 72, passed away at his home with family by his side on Saturday, September 23, 2023.

He was born to Leatrice (DeRosia) and Roland Blanchette on September 9, 1951, in Laconia, NH. He was their eldest son.

Starting at a young age, Gene had a work ethic. Starting at Harrington Farm in Gilford his job was to rake the blueberries for collection. He also worked for the Laconia Parks Department and was a man of many talents from cooking to prep work to dishes at Karl's Restaurant on Weirs Beach, Laconia.

He graduated from Belmont High School in 1971 and met and married his wife, Valerie Anderson, on February 14th, 1976.

He was a cable splicer for NE Bell for six years, transferring to a cable T.V line man for White Mountain Cable and for Iron Mountain Cable TV. He also helped Roland drill many wells including the one for Shady Oakes Apartments, in Belmont, NH. In his free time, he would work odd jobs and ran the backhoe for Jerry Spaulding Gilmanton.

He became dad to Jake René Blanchette on August 10th, 1990.

In February of 1992 Gene opened and operated his own business, Mount Hope Sawmill. He was the owner and operator of the sawmill for 28 years before retiring in 2020. After retirement he purchased property with his son, Jake, in Clarksville where together they built a camp and enjoyed the wildlife and the many trails they had created for their four-wheelers.

Gene leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Valerie Blanchette of Landaff, NH; his son, Jake Blanchette of Landaff, NH; his brother, Paul and wife Claudette; a niece, Audra and husband Jeff Cason; a nephew, Michael and wife with their two children, André and Elizabeth; many loving wonderful friends such as Manson and Kathy Hoyt.

Per Gene's wishes there will be a celebration of life at a later date.