Obituary of Rudy Edward Balon

January 27, 1937 – Wakaw, Saskatchewan

March 5, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Rudy Balon, beloved husband of Shirley Balon (nee Prefontaine), of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the age of 87 years.

Rudy married Shirley in 1963. Their journey began in Saskatchewan where Rudy charmed Shirley with his brother’s convertible and a visit to the A&W drive-in diner. Their adventures later included square dancing, traveling, gardening, and spending time with family.

Rudy was born in Wakaw, SK, on January 27, 1937, where he grew up on a farm. He resided in Calgary, AB, since 1976. He accomplished much throughout his life and was particularly proud of his hockey career, being a draftsman in the Oil and Gas industry, his family, and his travel adventures. Rudy’s most memorable vacations were spent in Mexico, Las Vegas, and at many lakes in Saskatchewan and British Columbia. He loved spending time near the water.

Rudy loved to watch professional baseball, especially the Toronto Blue Jays. He also enjoyed cheering on the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, but most of all he loved watching his two grandsons play hockey.

He will be most remembered for his gentle nature, his sweet tooth, stories from the past, and feisty good-natured spirit.

Rudy was a devoted family man. Besides his loving wife, Shirley, Rudy is survived by his two daughters and two sons-in-law, Sherrie and Jonathan and Andrea and Andy, all from Calgary, AB.  He was a cherished grandfather to two grandchildren, Noah and Nathan. Rudy had a meaningful relationship with his family and will forever be remembered for his wisdom, love, and praise. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love and memories he created, leaving a legacy in the hearts of those who had the privilege of calling him husband, father, papa, and friend.

Rudy is also survived by his one brother and one sister-in-law, Richard and Carol from Prince Albert, SK; two sisters, Anna from Calgary, AB, and Beverly, from Melfort, SK; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rudy was predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Nellie; his brothers, Dave and Nick, their wives, Gwen and Carole; and his two nieces, Lynn and Jodi.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca, or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14^th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Rudy’s family here.

In living memory of Rudy Balon, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.