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JOHN BALAK It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of John Balak, 87, who passed in peace on Monday, January 16, 2017 at the Selkirk and District General Hospital. John was born on a small pioneer farm near Grandview, Manitoba in 1929 and was one of 15! amazing children born to Pearl (Kotyk) and Andrew Balak. Dad lived most of his life in Winnipeg and was very proud of his long career working for the Canadian National Railway. He was a kind and gentle man who enjoyed nothing better than spending time with his family and the close circle of neighbours and friends that lived nearby his home in Transcona. Probably as a result of his upbringing on the homestead Dad always loved playing in the dirt, growing vegetables and flowers, and prided himself on his immaculately kept yard and garden. A great bird lover, he spent many a pleasant hour tending to the little feathered friends who visited his garden. Dad liked to escape to the woods whenever he could - he was an avid cross-country skier and loved any excuse to ramble, be it foraging for mushrooms at Bird's Hill Park or picking berries. He was always heading out for a long walk somewhere and was often with the company of one of his grandpuppies - Tayrik, Rosco, or Gizmo. Dad had a great love of Mom's home cooking and baking, including the many traditional Ukrainian dishes she made and her famous apple and cranberry pies. Another favourite pastime of Dad's was making homemade wine, which he generously shared with friends and family. He loved sports and enjoyed going to see the Winnipeg Goldeyes play ball and was a huge fan of curling, the Blue Jays and the Jets. Dad is survived and will be dearly missed by his sons Terry (Theresa) Balak, John Balak Jr., Kelly (Eleanor) Balak, sister Marty Balak of Toronto, sister Maggie Stadnicki of Calgary, sister Betty Wesley, many loving nieces and nephews, and other family including his grandpuppies Schooner and Cooper. Dad was predeceased by the love of his life, Lillian (Mom) whom he adored, in 2013, after 52 years of marriage and missed her terribly ever since. You are together again at last. Cremation has taken place and a graveside family service will be held on a beautiful, Manitoba summer day at Sunnyside Cemetery. The family asks that no flowers be sent. Instead kindly make a donation to your favourite charity. The family would like to thank the many home care workers who cared for Dad for the last couple of years, the Selkirk and District General Hospital staff, and Michael of Vita Funeral Home. Hope you are having a grand day at the fair Dad. We will miss you and you will be forever in our hearts!
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 28, 2017
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Dear Jack, Terry and Kelly, As one of your Aunt Anne's 4 daughters, I'd like to say that our Uncle Johnny and Aunt Lil were a wonderful, loving couple who we saw from time to time when they might come west to Calgary, or whenever we came east. I know that they are missed and wish you peace, knowing that they are together at last. Faye Lippitt - Posted by: Faye (Alexander) Lippitt (neice) on: Feb 10, 2017
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Dear Jack, Terry and Kelly, I am so sorry to hear of uncle John's passing. We didn't see him, or Lil, very often, but always enjoyed their visits to Calgary. He was such a kind and wonderful man. I wish all of you peace, and fond memories of your lives together with him. Marilyn Brown - Posted by: Marilyn Brown (niece) on: Feb 09, 2017
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Dear Terry, Jack, and Kelly, we were saddened to hear of Uncle John's passing. We always enjoyed visiting with him, and Aunt Lil during their visits to Grandview. They always had good stories (usually funny) to relate, which we thoroughly enjoyed. And, they were always interested in what was going on in our lives, they were sincere and genuine. I think of all the uncles, your Dad reminded me the most of my Dad, so that also made visiting with him most enjoyable. With deepest condolences, Dwaine & Janet Balak - Posted by: Dwaine & Janet Balak (Nephew) on: Jan 29, 2017
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John jr, Kelly, Eleanor and family. Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of your dear father. He had many a story to tell, from his childhood growing up in Grandview, his siblings, his gardens, winemaking, sports, his work on the railroad, how he met your mother and many other interesting stories. But most of all he was so proud to tell stories of his boys and his bride, and spoke very fondly of them. Rest easy John, you and Lil are now together. You will be missed, and thanks for the memories! Cheers - Posted by: Elly (Hca) on: Jan 28, 2017