05/12/2020
On behalf of the Greenwich Rugby Football Club (GRFC), it is with heavy hearts that we share the following news:
Carlos Blanco, our teammate, mentor, board member and most importantly; our friend, passed away on May 4th 2020 after a relatively short battle with cancer. This was unfortunately preceded by a heart attack he suffered in 2016 that resulted in an arduous and sadly temporary recovery brought on by the aggressive therapies he forced himself to endure to be able to have more time in the life he loved so much.
Carlos worked hard in the last few years of his life to overcome his medical issues with his usual style and grace. Never complaining and always remaining optimistic, even during long bouts in the hospital and medical procedures that would break even the strongest of spirits.
“I'm a tough bastard to take down” would be his upbeat response to the “how are you feeling?” question.
Carlos was a true character who we all agree remained young at heart right until the end. He had countless stories to tell that typically centered around his life growing up in Argentina and the colorful adventures of his youth. His years spent “impressing the ladies” as a pilot, with one particular story describing the excitement and danger of flying his plane underneath the bridges of New York City. A wildly illegal and generally ill-advised pursuit. Not to mention his near-death experiences as a sky diver which included one occasion when he made a less than sensible decision to jump n**e, only to land “safely” in a prison yard. Strangely, we never heard the outcome of that story. He even graced the cover of the May, 1968 addition of sports illustrated to highlight Old Blue RFCs win in the national championship against Virginia.
“Old Blue went ahead to stay when Carlos Blanco (“just call me Charlie White”) kicked a little squibber into the Virginia end zone and Bush fell on it for another try. And that is how it remained.”
Ultimately, at the center of all of his stories was Rugby and Carlos was a true fanatic whose love of the game stretched far beyond the sport itself. The team was a huge part of his family and any club he played for or supported benefited greatly from his limitless generosity. At the very basic levels, he took the time and effort to ensure that his team had plenty of water on the side lines of every game, he quietly paid the dues of individuals who were struggling financially, he ordered full kits so that his team could walk on the field with pride and often made significant donations to his club to help them move forward. He simply took care of everyone before himself.
GRFC was founded on the principle that no one person is bigger, or more important than the club. Carlos embodied this philosophy. He would always stand by his opinion (sometimes relentlessly as only he could), but would respect his teammates’ decision (even if it was not in line with his thinking) and support the club regardless. He exemplified the character; integrity, kindness, selflessness and passion of a true gentleman. Values that we place at the heart of our club (more than ever before) in honor of his memory.
Like any great Rugby player, he gave it everything he had and left it all on the pitch.
Carlos, you will forever be in our hearts and will always be our brother.
GRFC
