Forrest H. Blanding *40

Forrest Blanding, a longtime executive with Exxon Corp., died Nov. 30, 2014, at the age of 97.

Blanding graduated from the University of Illinois in 1939 with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and highest honors. In 1940, the Graduate School awarded him a master’s degree in chemical engineering.

He then began with Exxon, where for 34 years he worked in research, marketing, and business areas, retiring as a product executive in 1974. Blanding held about 20 U.S. patents on industrial processes. Starting in the 1940s, he developed and supervised Exxon’s first major use of computers in scientific research.

In retirement, he developed and maintained for two decades a free website and sophisticated computer model that advised on research done in health and longevity. Blanding wrote two books: The Pulse Point Plan and Cardiofitness Can Save Your Life, both focusing on the importance of exercise to health and life. His long life gives strong testimony to the validity of such views.

Blanding was predeceased by Lorraine, his wife of 67 years. He is survived by two children, five grandchildren, and three great-granddaughters.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.