Archie Blanks Obituary

Archie Lanning "Lanny" Blanks, Jr.

June 24, 1957 - January 13, 2025

Sandy, Oregon - Archie Lanning "Lanny" Blanks, Jr., 67, passed away on January 13, 2025, from heart complications while vacationing in Mexico. A CELEBRATON OF LIFE SERVICE will be held Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in The Heritage at Lowman Chapel, 2101 Dutch Fork Road, Chapin, SC, 29036. Visitation will follow the Service with light refreshments.

Born in Columbia, SC, on June 24, 1957, he was the son of Martha Jo Williams Blanks and the late Archie Lanning Blanks, Sr. He attended old Columbia High School and graduated from Irmo High School in 1975. After graduation, he briefly attended The University of South Carolina while working at The Chopping Block Steak & Spirits Restaurant before moving to Portland, OR, where he worked at John's Meat Market Restaurant and later became the owner of Portland's Whitehouse B&B until 2017. During 40+ years as a fixture in the Portland hospitality industry, he became a self-taught professional chef hosting numerous private and charitable events. He also founded Road Trip Oregon in 2011, which he actively managed until his death.

Lanny's outgoing and charismatic nature helped him meet people wherever he went. Relationships mattered to him and his generosity was unmatched. His work ethic and infectious personality were exceeded only by his deep devotion and love for his family and close friends, with whom he maintained daily contact.

Lanny's motto of "love my life!" came from spending time with family and friends, watching the sun rise and set at the beach, eating good food, travel, and listening to Barry White while sunbathing. He traveled extensively in the U.S., Canada, Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, South America and Mexico. He especially loved Mexico and the island of Kauai. On his final trip, he enjoyed the art, architecture, and food of Mexico City.

Lanny is survived by his mother, Martha, sisters Deborah (Jaime) Kelly of Irmo and Marie (Stan) Smith of North Augusta, and brother Boyce (Jean) Blanks, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, his familial community in Oregon, and countless cherished friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).