DENNIS JOZEF BALAZ

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DENNIS JOZEF BALAZ It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing at St. Boniface Hospital, after a brief illness, of Dennis Balaz surrounded by his family. He leaves to mourn his passing his children, Tom, Connie, (granddaughters, Courtney, Morgan and Bronwyn Balaz-Munn), Ron (Darlene, grandchildren, Michael and Laura) and Randy (special friend Pat) as well as his children's mother Lorraine. Dad was born July 13, 1927 in Male Ripnany, Slovakia, the second child of Stefan and Katerina. He was predeceased by his father in 1964 and his mother in 1986, his sister Valeria in 1981 and his brother Klement in 2001. Dad immigrated with his family to Canada in 1938 where they settled onto a farm in Lorette, MB. They were part of a larger group of 35 families who left Czechoslovakia to begin a new life in Canada. Dad loved the farm life as a young man, eventually working several odd jobs, a favourite being, working the dining cars on CP Rail. Homesickness meant leaving the railway for a job on the loading dock of Swift Canadian in 1951, where he was employed for over 27 years, eventually working his way from the loading dock to the delivery trucks, a job he loved doing as it gave him the opportunity to meet many new people. After Swift's closed, he worked several other jobs including Air Canada, Versatile and New Flyer Industries, eventually retiring in 1985. He also became involved with the United Packinghouse, Food and Allied Workers Union, local 219, serving in different executive capacities, including several years as the local President. He was well liked by his co-workers and was committed to improving working conditions and benefits throughout his tenure with the union. Dad was a staunch supporter of the Winnipeg Labour Council during the 1960s and 1970s, never missing a Labour Day Parade. During the same period, he campaigned for the New Democratic Party in General and Harry Shafransky in particular. In his younger years, dad loved going fishing with his sons on various Manitoba and Ontario lakes and rivers, boating on Lake Winnipeg and Falcon Lake, photography and tinkering with old cars, something he passed onto his sons, we think sometimes grudgingly. Dad was especially proud of obtaining his Canadian citizenship in 1959. He was even more proud of his children's accomplishments, especially when his daughter graduated from the University of Manitoba. Dad also had a very special affection for two dogs, Rufus and Thunder, who were a big part of his life. One of Dad's special pleasures was meeting his friends for afternoon coffee, often engaging in some spirited debates about the topic of the day. At the time of his passing, Dad was planning and looking forward to a summer trip to visit his children and grandchildren in Western Canada. The family wishes to thank the Doctors and staff at St. Boniface Hospital ER and 5B for their compassion and caring as they ministered to our dad. Viewing for family and friends will be held Wednesday, June 14 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home, Hwy. No. 1 E at Navin Road. Funeral service will be held Thursday, June 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home with Fr. Fred Olds presiding. Interment in Green Acres Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Winnipeg Humane Society, 5 Kent St., Winnipeg, MB R2L 1X3 GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery Hwy. No. 1 E. at Navin, (204) 222-3241 Please bring a Tin for the Bin Help us support Winnipeg Harvest

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2006