Erik Balog

Erik,
I've thought for days about what to write here. All of us were shocked when we heard the terrible news.

Now we'll have to rely on memories, and all of them good ones. I'll always think of you whenever I hear a Buffet song, and I'm really thankful that your Mom gave me a tape of one of your appearances at the Court. I've been playing it often lately.

Although you didn't have any children of your own, be assured that your nephew drew from the same gene...

Erik,
I feel blessed to have known you, if only for such a short time. It should have been so much longer. I'll miss our little talks in front of the house when I walked the dogs. I'll miss teetering over the back yard fence to talk to you. You were a true historian, such an intelligent man, yet you never talked down to anyone. You've done so much for us throughout the years, and have been a perfect friend, neighbor and gentleman. When we moved into this area, we were looking for a...

Erik was my next door neighbor for the past 10 years. We moved here in 1994 and couldn't have asked for better friends so close by. Erik and Erin are going down in history as the only neighbors that my parents have actually hung out and drank with. :) I'll always remember him as the gentle, laid back guy who always had time to say hello to his neighbors, stop by on holidays, and occasionally feed Jake and Pepper bones through the fence. I'm thankful for the years that I did know him. Erik,...

It still doesn't seem real to me. I'm not even sure where to start with all the good memories. Erik was the perfect person to introduce me to some of the good things in Valparaiso. I was just a snotty teenager with a bad attitude about moving there and he made it seem a lot better. He was not only a great neighbor, but a wonderful friend as well. Erin - God bless you and keep you. Erik will be sorely missed....

Erik,
You will be greatly missed. Frank and I will always be grateful for your friendship. Your kindness and helpfulness were always appreciated. Your talents whether it be woodworking, construction or musical was always so impressive. We will remember your smile and those great big hugs you would give.
Peace Erik, Peace.

We'll miss you Erik
See ya on those Kentucky hills someday

I just got the call about two hours ago....

On the way home after the call, I noticed that there was a spectacular sunset over the fields and woods and I grabbed my camera to take a phtograph for my little buddy, Zook.

The batteries were run down and I immediately thought about how Zook woulda handled the situation and I just had to smile which was good after crying so hard and so long. Eric wouldn't have let this phase him in the least. And that's what I loved...

I will always remember Erik as a dear friend and wonderful musician. We enjoyed playing music together many times. His music touched the heart and soul of many.
Rest in Peace Erik.
You will be missed.