Obituary of Gordon Balfour

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father Gordon M. Balfour of Calgary on Sunday, March 11, 2007 at the age of 83 years. His passing was peaceful and he was surrounded by his family. Dad, the oldest of seven children, was born on the farm in Sintaluta, SK on February 12, 1924. He left school early during the Great Depression to help support the family. He did a variety of jobs from farm hand to training race horses. During the war he volunteered for the Royal Canadian Air Force and served for some twenty-five years. After leaving the Service he worked as a salesman and eventually retired in the Calgary area. Always a superb provider he ensured the family had no wants and his great work ethic earned him the respect of his peers and associates. Gordon truly enjoyed his friends and neighbours and cherished his children. His departure leaves a big hole in our lives and we will miss him always. Gordon is survived by his four children and their spouses, Darrell (Lesley), Allen (Deanna), Sherry (Murray) Ducharme and Wayne; his eight grandchildren; as well as his four great-grandchildren. He will also be remembered by his two brothers, Rob of the Vancouver area and Garth of Lethbridge; and his sister Eileen of Calgary. He was predeceased by his wife Florence in 1999. A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Friday, March 16, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. In living memory of Gordon Balfour, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.