WILLIAM (BILL) BALBON

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WILLIAM (BILL) BALBON Suddenly and peacefully, Bill passed away at his residence on Wednesday, June 27, 2001, at the age of 77 years. Bill was predeceased by his parents Alec and Augusta; and brother Alec Jr. He is survived by longtime common-law wife Sheila; son Brian (Brenda) grandson Bryce of San Francisco, CA; brother Joe; cousins, Raymond Balbon, Edith Robinson, Donna Zenchuk, Irene McGuire; nephews, Richard Balbon (Maxine), niece Doreen (Klaus) Lettman of British Columbia, Blair Lutz (Ennis), Kevin Lutz (Karen) of British Columbia; and Aunt Betty; and numerous grand-nephews and grand-nieces and friends. Bill was born in Vilnius, Lithuania and immigrated with his family to Canada in 1929, settling in Lundar, MB, later moving to Winnipeg. He spent several years in the Merchant Navy, a period in his life which he often recalled with exciting stories of his travels to the far most corners of the earth. This was followed by a couple of years working for CN Rail. Later, he worked with his familys blacksmith shop and developed an interest in repairing automobiles. Moving to Winnipeg, he worked for several years in various autobody shops until opening his own business (Mid-West Autobody) in 1972. Semi-retired in 1989, he continued to repair vehicles and retained his connections with friends and business acquaintances in the industry. Bill loved to travel and made many trips across Canada and the United States with Sheila in their motor home. He made frequent trips to California to spend time with his son Brian and his beloved grandson Bryce. He will be greatly missed by the family and many friends and also his favourite cat, Coco. Thanks are extended to Dr. Unruh (Health Sciences Centre) and Rosemarie, and the St. Boniface Palliative Care staff. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 3 at 11:00 a.m. in Thomson Funeral Chapels, 669 Broadway. Interment will be in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the Chapels on Monday, July 2 from noon until 4:00 p.m. Rest in Peace Raddle -Bear THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 30, 2001