Joseph H. Blatchford

I dated Beatrice, one of Joe's sisters for over 2 years. She often told me stories about Joe and his family and his many accomplishments. I found it amazing that he accomplished so much at such a young age--he was a real "pioneer" with his work with Accion and the Peace Corps. I only met he and his wife Winnie once; I am sorry I could not have spent more time getting to know him--his stories were intriguing--I feel he must have concluded that he indeed spent a very full life--success in his career and love with his family. My prayers are with his family that they will remember all the good times they had together.

Oh, Winnie, I just sobbed for the longest time when I heard the news. I've only seen Joe two years ago June for lunch when you were elsewhere but he was supposed to always be there. I've sent word to my three kids explaining that, as I thought of it, Joe was the most influential person in determining the course of my life. Not Father Hesburgh, not Frank Church, but starting Accion from that first meeting in 1961 rescued me from law practice in California or Idaho and everything followed thereafter. There have been no better times in my life than those early days and the Peace Corps. I am still ready to bawl. My daughter Kristin lives not far away on 29th and the park. She who lived in Brazil for five years, worked in Latin America for most of her career, ran the subcommittee on Latin America for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, etc. I get back too seldom; typically they come to Idaho. We will relieve memories next time I am there, if you are willing. You and Joe have been constantly on my mind and in my heart these last days and that will continue to be so. Love to you and the family, Jerry B

Winnie I look back on my Accion experience with wonder at how it affected my life. After two years I returned to Harvard and it was the foundation of my senior thesis which led to graduation "magna cum laude." At law school it led to two summer internships, and ultimately a job at the Legal Advisors office in the State Department, the first Michigan kid to get into that great government position in many years. With the international experience and Spanish, I was successful in numerous positions at international conferences,and I was a member of that first official delegation back to Cuba in April of 1977. I think the last time I saw Joe was at a trip he had organized for businessmen, just at their departure to Cuba. I said in remarks to the group that the chances of normalizing relations with Cuba were so distant that trips to Cuba could not really be called legitimate travel expenses. It was meant as a joke, but Joe said, "Well you sure know how to get their attention." That may be the last time I saw Joe, but it sure wasn't the last time he had a major influence on my life. That Accion experience ultimately was key to my enjoying two positions in Reagan's first term as Deputy Assistant Secretary, two years at Transportation and two at State. Those positions in turn led to significant positions in business and healthcare, then as Deputy Secretary of Transportation and Communications in Iraq, and finally as President of a small Christian liberal arts college. As I reflect on my life, I consider it directly related to the Accion experience that started halfway through college. My dad roared disapproval of my "dropping out" of Harvard, noting that when he was in college, the Depression, those who dropped out "never came back." My response was of course, "Dad, we're not in the Depression." But of course in the third group with 6 others, who knew what was coming? Joe was the reason for my confidence in the venture, with his animated spirit, his cheery personality, his determination, his ethics, his absolute commitment to the job at hand, his goals. An utterly infectious personality of great talent. He ran for Congress as a Republican in an overwhelmingly Democratic district with the intention of winning (only Joe could do that), and almost pulled it off. (I thought Joe should have been a Democrat, he thinks more like them.) I believe that had Joe won he would have been after the Senate soon thereafter, and I thought he was Presidential material. That is my estimation of his potential. I am sorry I was not able to cross paths with you over the years, but after 1984 my life took me to Delaware and Oklahoma. (And Baghdad.) My memories are the fondest, and my gratitude the highest. A life well lived. An extraordinary person. We are the less for his loss, and I am with you in your sorrow. Frank Willis Franklin Willis Friend

A rich life of service, well-lived. Nicholas Craw Friend

Dear Winnie, We were so sorry to learn from today’s Post about Joe’s death. He lived a long and productive life, but it’s always too soon. We will be thinking of you, Andrea, Nick and Antonia as you savor your memories of a truly good man. Tom and Bevra

Your dad always made me feel listened to, no matter how young I (or my very important insight!) was. I loved that he had that gift; it was truly special. Mallory

Dearest Winnie, Andrea, Antonia, Nick and Anwar, I am so very sorry to learn of Joe's passing. My heart hurts for you. What an amazing life and career he led but most important was all of you. Sending love and hugs to all of you. Lisa (Swanson) Moeller

What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful human being. We know you are resting in peace, Joe.

In memory of Joe and all your family. Love, george