John Edward Balmer

BALMER John Edward (aka Jack) As this is my auto-obituary, I'd like to write it in my own fashion! I was born in Vancouver on All Saints day, 1931, the only child of Dr. Cam & Ella Balmer, and graduated from UBC in '52, and U. of Toronto in `56. Apart from practising dentistry in Vancouver for over 30 years, I have also at one time or another been fairly adept as a skier, private pilot, race car driver, vintner, mechanic, model builder, marine aquarist, carpenter, photographer, plumber, scuba diver, writer, boat builder, Olympic team member (coach - for a bronze medal), marine Master (CSC3), advanced ham operator (VE7CTC), offshore sailor, lecturer in electronics and seamanship, and a Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary member. As well, more of my life was spent being a C.Y.A. Vice-President, founder of the B.C.Y.A...(now B.C. Sailing Assn.), a member of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club for over 61 years, including serving on their Executive 11 times. I leave Megan, a comely, loving, and long-suffering bride of 47 years, and a son Alex (Julia). I died on October 10th, 2008 from a touch of lung CA. Since I know smoking is not harmful, I probably got it from a bad ice cube! My ashes will be scattered at sea, my meagre estate paying for the wake, which is the only way anyone would attend. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Corinthian Fund at R.V.Y.C. would be appreciated. Since I've had a ball in life, with no regrets and nothing left still undone, and since our world seems to be quickly deteriorating, it's a good time for me to cash in. Goodbye, and good luck! Committal service from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm on Friday October 31, 2008 at Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.