TRIBUTE: To Rev. Carl Blanford

Carl was a very brilliant student who graduated at the top of his class at Post Falls in 1939. No one had much money in those days and his family was no exception. During high school he worked setting type, etc., at the “Post Falls Tribune,” thus learning a skill which would help him get a college education. Mr. H.S. Wetherell was either the owner or editor who employed him.

At the time he graduated he had no hope of further education. My brother, Grant, had just graduated from Whitworth College and was employed by the college to recruit new students. Whitworth was having all their printing done commercially at that time. Grant was able to persuade them, if he could find a printing press, to accept Carl as a student if he would operate the printing press and do the printing for them. They agreed, so he then talked to Mr. Wetherell who had a spare printing press which he donated to the college. He also published the Whitworthian newspaper.

Result: Carl graduated from Whitworth College!

He then attended Princeton Theological Seminary and following his graduation was a missionary in Mainland China for many years. He was forced out of the country by the Communists. He relocated in Thailand where he ministered to the Chinese in that country for many years. He then had a Chinese church in Singapore also for many years.

At perhaps age 65 he returned to the U.S. and was the Associate Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Seattle for many years. Finally, he “retired” to Duarte, Calif., where he then became active in Capstone Chinese Presbyterian Church.

In the Christmas greetings from his widow, Lily, she states that he passed away April 13, 2012. He had actively participated in the church service on March 12!

Carl was appreciated by people in many countries, especially those of Chinese origin. If anyone would like to donate in memory of him, a check may be made to Capstone Chinese Presbyterian Church, and sent to:

Mrs. Carl Blanford

1420 Santo Domingo Ave.

Duarte, CA 91010-2632

We give thanks for having had the privilege of having been friends with this great man of God, a very honorable man from Post Falls.

DR. and MRS. GEORGE RODKEY

Post Falls