SYLACAUGA, Ala. – It was a universal assessment by those who spoke as well as those in attendance – Rob Blanchard was a valuable asset to wherever he placed his attention. That was recognized on Monday, Nov. 18 as the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement’s (SAFE) Food Distribution Center was dedicated in his memory.
“What a man,” said SAFE’s Executive Director Margaret Morton. “He had such humility to serve others. Today, we are here to thank his family for sharing him with us.”
Blanchard tragically passed away earlier this year in July after sustaining fatal injuries in a motorcycle wreck.
Betsy Hosp described Blanchard as an “idea guy” that could make almost any vision come to reality.
“Rob was a great resource, someone to bounce ideas off,” Hosp remarked. She went on to describe the process by which Blanchard helped write a grant to fund building the new Food Distribution Center, which he also designed.
“Rob was multi-talented,” said Sylacauga Housing Authority Executive Director Sam Royster. “It seemed he knew everything, and when he didn’t, he took steps to know the next time a subject came up.”
Royster told the crowd that Blanchard was the type of person to get involved by helping in any and every way he could contribute to the Housing Authority, and by extension, to the Sam Wright Sylacauga Grows Community Garden.
The Food Distribution Center that now bears his name is open daily during the week, providing fresh, seasonal produce to those in the community who need the service.
After so many heart-warming words remembering Rob Blanchard and his contributions, his memory was further served as after-school program students gathered for another opportunity to learn in a series of “Farm to Table” lessons, complete with a meal prepared from the bounty of the community garden.
Many even commented that Rob was surely present, watching over the many aspects of the garden to which he lent his inspirational, nurturing expertise.
