MATHEW CHARLES BALFOUR

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MATHEW CHARLES BALFOUR (Charlie Pie) February 28, 1945 - February 18, 2007 With deep sorrow, the family of Mathew Charles Balfour (Charlie Pie) announces the sudden passing on February 18, 2007, of their dear husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Charlie will be sadly missed by his wife, Winnifred (Winnie), who patiently, lovingly cared for him throughout their lives together. Also mourning their great loss are his children and grandchildren, Pamela and Peter Friesen, Brianne (Grampa called her Jolla ), Charlee, and Kianna ( Dundee ) of Iqaluit, Nunavut; Allison, Delbert, Courtney, Haven, Phoenix and DJ ( Mikosam ) Saunders; Crystal, Ivan, Georgee, Kerrigen, Matheson ( Johnny Moose ) and Coleton ( Willie Moose ) Bonner; Matthew Balfour; William Balfour and daughter Heavenly ( Willamina ); Alex, Candace, Autumn, Seth (the first grandson, called #9 ) and Alexis ( Anis ) Balfour. Charlie's family is particularly grateful to Matthew who constantly cared for Dad with cleaning, cooking and fetching anything he desired. Also leaves his foster children, Carol Judy Ross, George Thomas and Edward Muswagon. Charlie devoted himself to family, friends and community. He took care of us all, in all ways, anytime. He was a deeply devoted father who dearly loved his family and responded untiringly to requests for help. Dad drove miles to lend a hand. He never passed a stranded vehicle on the road without stopping to help, day or night. He was active in hockey, baseball, and - best of all - curling. Many people learned to play and love these sports because of Dad. Along with the many friends who will mourn his passing, Charlie leaves his brothers, Gordon (Margaret), Irvin (Josephine), Albert (Lorna), Lorne (Pauline) and Donald Balfour; and his sisters, Marion (Peter), Lorraine, Dolores, Flora, Lorna, Betsy, Sandra and April, and his many nieces and nephews. Dear Father, now thy work is over. The willing hands will work no more. A loving father, kind and strong. How we will miss you but left us to remember none on earth can take your place. Silently the angels took you into the mansion above. There shall you rest safe in the arms of God's love. Your weary hours and days of pain, Your troubled nights are past. And in our aching hearts we know, That grief can call its own. You suffered much, you earned your rest, You will suffer no more, As you trod heavens shore, It left you with peace and rest. Gone, dear husband; gone forever, How we miss you. But you left us to remember, None on earth can take your place. A silent thought, a secret tear Keeps your memory ever near. The face I loved and loving voice is still, The hand so often helped others, Lies now in eternal rest. How sweet the memory still, the loneliness The world can never fill. The pearly gates were opened, A gentle voice said Come home . And with farewells unspoken You gently went home. Tributes can be sent to: pamelajoyfriesen@yahoo.ca Thank you to the kind couple who helped Mom at 7-11 on Ness Avenue, to Jim Boardman of Thompson, and to all the people who were there for Charlie's family at the end and through all the years of happy times. Our husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend will be laid to rest on Thursday, February 22 in Norway House, MB.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 22, 2007