The Port of New Orleans mourns the passing of Benjamin Blanchard who died Jan. 4 after a long battle with cancer. Blanchard, 33, was Vice President of Van Weelde Chartering, having opened their New Orleans office in 2006 after beginning his career in Rotterdam, Holland. He was the son of Susan and Mark Blanchard, with Mark being President and CEO of New Orleans Cold Storage. Benjamin once served as an intern at the Port of New Orleans in the Commercial Division.
“Ben Blanchard will be missed by the Port family and all those who had the opportunity to work with him in his bright career,” said Robert Landry, Port of New Orleans Chief Commercial Officer. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Blanchard family. He was a special young man. Anyone would have been proud to call him their son, their brother or their friend.”
Blanchard was a graduate of Saint Paul’s High School in Covington, Louisiana, and Louisiana State University. An avid duck hunter and saltwater fisherman, he was passionate about LSU sports and Mardi Gras. Blanchard mentored and inspired many young businessmen and was a constant cheerleader and inspiration to those, who like him, battled cancer.
Blanchard’s family said it was his passion for life and his love of his family and many, many friends that allowed him to persevere through his courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his mother Susan Blanchard, his father Mark Blanchard, his brother Christopher Blanchard and several extended family members.
