Mentor Leaves a Legacy
10/14/2020
When former Big Brother Ken Blanchard, of Hudson, passed away last month at the age of 84, the father and grandfather left behind more than just a loving family. For more than 30 years, Ken remained in touch with his former Little Brother Denis Coughlin, who he met through the Big Brothers Big Sisters office in Nashua. Over the years, Ken became more than a mentor - he became a part of Denis' family.
Recently, Denis and his mother, Terry, each donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire in Ken's memory and sent notes about what Denis' match with Ken meant to their family. With their permission, we are pleased to share their tributes here:
"I met Ken through this wonderful organization and would like to donate on his behalf. Thank you for matching us 30 plus years ago. Ken was like a father to me. His family will forever be my family as well. I cannot express the gratitude to have had him in my life. Thank you for all you have done and for being there for me and my children." - Denis Coughlin
"Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization 30+ years ago gave me one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. You matched my son Denis with a wonderful man named Ken Blanchard out of the Nashua Office. He was a great mentor and fatherly figure that he could always count on. What was supposed to be a couple year commitment, Ken turned into a lifetime. Ken's family has always been so supportive of the match and we have all become so close that we feel as one. Thank you for making this match and bringing us together all those years ago and know that what you do can have a lifetime outcome on a child's life." - Terry Coughlin
Our mentors continue to make a difference in the lives of youth throughout New Hampshire, particularly as we all navigate the uncertainties of life during a pandemic.
For more information about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, or to sign up a child for this free-of-charge program, please give us a call at 1-844-NH4-BIGS.