Harold Paul Blean

Harold "Hal" Paul Blean, age 98, died peacefully in his sleep on September 16, 2017. He was born December 5, 1918, in Rock Island County, IL, and was raised in Muscatine, IA. In 1920, his father, Leonard Weakley Blean, died during the Spanish influenza epidemic. His mother, Elizabeth C. Burnett Blean, married Charles J. Dyche, in 1925. Harold always noted what a good step-father, Charlie, was to him and his sister, Mary. In 1940, Harold graduated from Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (now Iowa State University) with a degree in Architectural Engineering. He worked as a civilian for the Army Corps of Engineers, in Alaska, before getting a commission in the Navy. As an ensign, he led a mixed squad of army and navy combat engineers on the first wave ashore, on Omaha beach, on D-Day in 1944. Their assignment was to clear the shore obstacles for the infantry landing craft that followed. Under heavy enemy fire, every man in his squad was killed or wounded. He received a Unit Citation, Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. After the invasion, he was sent to study Naval Architecture at the University of Michigan. In 1943, he married Edith Ellen Goodwin and they had two children. While raising his family, he practiced as an architect and structural engineer in Seattle, WA. His last position was as an engineer on the Trident missile base. He retired in 1984. In 1977, he married Jean Farrar Lair and they traveled extensively in Europe and on ski trips. In 1981, they moved to the condo community of Canyon Creek in East Wenatchee, WA, where they enjoyed their long-time friends and neighbors. He was an active volunteer for the Ridge to River race and helped construct the outdoor ice skating rink in Wenatchee, WA. Harold spearheaded the campaign to annex properties around East Wenatchee so that outlying areas could have city services. This "Blean annexation" as it was called, doubled the size of East Wenatchee. Harold Paul Blean was preceded in death by his father; stepfather; sister; and his wife, Jean. His mother, Elizabeth Dyche, died in East Wenatchee, WA, in 1991. He is survived by his two children: Devon Ann Blean (Don Ficko) and David W. Blane; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his step-children: Greg Lair (Susan), Valerie Lair, Elaine Smithson (Dick), and Mary Dillon. His final weeks were greatly aided by the caring staff of Hospice and Colonial Vista. There will be no funeral services at Harold's request. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to NCW Hospice, 1020 N. Wenatchee Ave., Wenatchee, WA, 98801. Arrangements were assisted by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA.

Harold Paul Blean

December 5, 1918 - September 16, 2017