MURRAY BALAGUS

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

• Sorry to hear about your dads passing , I hold lots of great memories of your dad , he always lite up the dining room at the nursing home ,with his contagious smile and his love of dance ! - Posted by: Fil colatruglio (Friend ) on: Feb 18, 2021

• My condolences on the death of your father and grandfather. Uncle Murray was a true gentleman, so pleasant and kind. I remember how he would pick up and drive four teenagers to school on his way to work, none of them his own children. One of them, me, was always late, so he had to sit and wait, and he never said a word or complained. He always had a smile on his face - a very considerate, gracious man. - Posted by: Sandra (Second cousin) on: Feb 12, 2021

• So sorry for your loss! Teresa Pilbeam Daughter of John and Olga Haligowski - Posted by: Teresa Pilbeam (Grandparents and parents neighbour) on: Feb 03, 2021

• My heartfelt condolences to all family members and friends of Coach Balagus. This man had had a massive impact on my development as a young child and still as 57yr old senior today. I grew up in the north end at 481 Kildarroach Ave in the same neighbourhood as coach. I played defence for the Robertson Road Runners and the "outlawed" Ralph Brown Beavers as a 18yr old teenager. Coach Balagus had unique drills during his practises like stick handling with a lead puck, walking over sticks slowly then running over them on the way back, skating backwards in the face off circles for what seemed like hours. Coach would always defend Howie Meeker no matter how dumb we thought he was for his comments on Hockey Night In Canada. Coach was able to arrange free tickets at times to the Jets of the WHA and NHL. There was no way I could ever attend those games back then as my parents did not have extra money for those type of luxuries. We would also go to the Winnipeg Arena to watch coach's daughter Lisa run at the Knights of Columbus track meets. We practiced indoors sometimes at the Winnipeg Arena by way of Mr. Balagus. Coach introduced me/us to the Titan hockey sticks at his MGM store on Jefferson Ave, Murray Gord and Mack! Those sticks would last three times as long as the Northlands I was using! My father approved and was delighted. Coach arranged my first ever plane ride just over the city but we were all flying high looking over the small buildings and cars at 10yr old! See my father was a long distance truck driver always away. Coach became my role model, mentor by all those numerous hours we practised and played together outside on those frigid city rinks. Coach was able to teach hockey in way that really resonated with us from his passion for the game and the whispers we all heard he played in the show. Time to time coach invited the team to his rec room for hotdogs and burgers and watch the game. It was there we all seen the wood panelled walls full of NHL team felt pennants, framed pictures and sticks and pucks and other memorabilia scattered about. It was the best coziest basement ever! I recall I always wanting coach's gloves so so bad. They were black leather Spaulding "fastback" gloves with this huge roll of foam protection over the front of the hand. They would of been so keen with my black and yellow Bobby Orr skates. Moving away from the north end after grade six was finished, several years latter I was fortunate and lucky enough to link up with coach Balagus one more time. The Ralph Brown Beavers were outlawed from the ranks of Winnipeg Hockey for reasons we didn't understand or care about. As long as coach Balagus was leading the team we were all in. The interaction between coach and I was different as we were both older and changed. The drills became more strategic and specific in detail and I could not get enough. I loved practise for the first time and fell in love with hockey again. I adored this man and his equal love for the game as mine. He taught us hockey and to be better young adults by being mindful of our daily actions, every one of them had reactions somewhere down the line, consequences he would say. He showed all us a different perspective on how to see the game unfold besides our young mans anger rage and ignorance. He taught us about poise and discipline. How to be bigger than the moment. how to step back and let cooler heads prevail. Coach Balagus in my eyes was a legend, a true born leader of men. I am sadden by his passing but also humbled by his long full life well lived. I would of not expected anything less. Rest In Peace Coach you will not be forgotten.... - Posted by: Mike Henrickson (Coached by Murray with Robertson Road Runners and Ralph Brown Beavers) on: Feb 01, 2021

• Sorry for your loss. Murray was a great guy. - Posted by: Larry Waletzky (Friend and Dalton Street Neighbor) on: Jan 29, 2021

• Dear Lisa and Family, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I am also deeply moved by your experiences as a caregiver for your father in such a difficult and challenging time. I recall both your parents being very supportive of your education and extracurricular activities. Treasure all your precious memories! Lynn Smith (former Teacher at Andrew Mynarski Junior High) - Posted by: Lynn Smith (Teacher at Andrew Mynarski) on: Jan 28, 2021

• So sorry to hear of Murray’s passing, I worked with him what seems like a lifetime ago at Peerless. He was always so respectful and kind! I did manage to catch up with him a few times after at his grandchildren’s games. Condolences to his family my thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Deb Paisley (Past co-worker) on: Jan 28, 2021

• Condolences to family and friends. I’m sure I’m still walking on carpet supplied by Murray! - Posted by: Paul Pelletier (Friend ) on: Jan 28, 2021

• Dear Lisa: We were so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. He was a lovely man and a good neighbor who we will remember fondly. Our thoughts are with you and your extended family during this difficult time. - Posted by: Doug & Rosemarie Prokipchuk (Sisler alumni & Lavender Bay neighbours of Mr. & Mrs. Balagus) on: Jan 27, 2021

• Condolences to all of the Balagus Family and extended relatives and is friends, whom I sure had many. I attended Sisler High School with his daughter Lisa and a few of the nephews. What a kind hearted, humble man he was. I remember how he would visit his Momma who had alzheimers and how he knew how to deal with her so well. He was a perfectionist at his job at Peerless Carpet in the 80's on Keewatin Street. He was community minded and he so loved all his family. Fondly Remembered by Bonnie Joy Panas Turenne, Petersfield, Manitoba. May he rest in peace, I shall always remember you, Murray Balagus. xoxo - Posted by: Bonnie Panas Turenne (Old colleague from the 1980's ) on: Jan 25, 2021

• I am sad to hear of Murray’s passing and it brought to mind the years we spent working together at Peerless Carpet. Murray was a knowledgeable and respected representative in the Winnipeg market. Most of all Murray was kind and gentle person that was liked by all. He was a family oriented individual and I felt he had his priorities right. Hockey was certainly a big part of his agenda. May he Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Fred Rabiner (Co-worker) on: Jan 24, 2021

• I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Murray. He and my husband Ed were good friends and they both played senior hockey for the Warroad Lakers for several years. My deepest sympathy. Lorraine Palamar - Posted by: Lorraine Palamar (friend) on: Jan 23, 2021

• Sincere condolences to Murray’s family. Fond memories of our days at Peerless Carpet. - Posted by: Bob Wilkinson & Lynne Harlow (Worked together.) on: Jan 23, 2021

• We are very sorry to hear of Murray's passing and send our condolences to his family. - Posted by: Ray and Lois Forzley (friends through work) on: Jan 23, 2021