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Louis Balady Obituary
On August 26, 2011, we lost our beloved Louis Leroy Balady, of Tempe, to Multiple Myeloma, complicated by the very rare blood disease, Amyloidosis. Lou was born on July 24, 1939, in Joliet, Il., the son of the late Charles 'Chick' and Madeline (Attalla) Balady, of Glendale. In 1949, the family moved to Phoenix due to Lou's asthma. After serving as a U. S. Marine from 1958-1962, Lou successfully operated a full service Texaco station until 1980. He began working for the Phoenix Fire Dept. in 1982 and retired after over 21 years of service in 2004. Lou was well known in his work at the PFD, as he was the only small engine mechanic responsible for all of the emergency power tools on the fire trucks and for all the equipment which supplied every fire station in the entire PFD. He even traveled with the department to participate in the recovery of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. In his younger years, Lou participated in jackpot rodeo. And for most of his life, he was an avid golfer. He was a member of the Par Gents golf club for almost 50 years. He celebrated his Lebanese heritage as a longtime member of the Cedars Club in Phoenix where he had many lifelong friends. Lou is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Carolyn (Fogle), his seven children, Michelle Regester (Mark), Cynthia Middleton, and Christy Kniseley (Dan); Mark (Sherrie), Michael (Michele), Christopher (Lisanne), and Ann Marie Love (Jerry); brother Charles (Joanne); sister, Bernadette Osborn; and twenty grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Lou will be immensely missed for his generosity, big hugs, and infectious smile. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 10th at 10:00 am at Tempe Mortuary, 405 E. Southern, Tempe, AZ. The family requests that contributions be made to the International Myeloma Foundation in lieu of flowers, to help with early detection and a cure, both options that were not available to Lou. Please mail donations in memory of Louis L. Balady to: International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Dr. Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Louis Balady
Phillip T Irish
August 30, 2024
I was a member of the Par Gents Golf Club in the 1990's and 2000's, and Lou was too and when we played in Tournaments, they put me and Lou together as we were slower players. We all loved Lou, he was always a fun guy. So we had a Tournament in Reno, NV. at the Lake Ridge Golf Course. Hole #15 was an Island hole surrounded by water, and the tee box was high upon the side of the mountain. Very scary to look at. Some of us hit first, some in the water, then it was Lou's turn. He had a little 5 wood that he always hit well. He hit and it landed about 5 feet from the pin. The rest of us were all over the green. So, we putted first, then it was Lou's turn, he's 5 ft. from the hole, putting for a Birdie. He stepped up to his ball, and he was shaking so much, I came up, and said, "Calm down Lou" and it took him a while but he calmed down enough so his putter wasn't shaking. He was still nervous, but he putted, missed the Birdie by made the Par, and the rest of us got 5's and 6's. But Lou Won Money for being the Closest to the Pin for the Tournament. Don't know how much he got, but it was a pretty good sum. Lou was the Hero of the Tournament t in 1999. Here's the picture of the Hole #15. Rest in Peace Lou, we love you.
KEVIN WILBURN
September 15, 2011
LOU, I WAS SAD WHEN YOU RETIRED. YOU ALWAYS PUT A SHILE ON MY FACE WHEN EVER I SAW YOU. YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED
September 14, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family. Lou was the best, there will never be another one close to him. When God called him home, he knew that it was going to be a hard task to replace him, so He didnt try. Lou will be greatly missed.
A.House
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Jeff Calvagno
September 12, 2011
Oh Man! How sad. I love this guy. when ever I stopped in at resource whether it was for training or to pick up supplies. I always made it a mission to see Lou. Always brought a smile and laughter to your face. I always shouted out "Hey Looeegee!" He was missed when he retired, but he will be even more now. What a great man. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Lous' Family. God Bless
September 11, 2011
my condolence to lou's family,I worked at r/m.back in the 80s in the air rm.at breaks lou always had something intresting to say or a good chuckle,he was the man at fixing stuff and a very nice man,God bless. Bob Lopez
Manny Rangel
September 8, 2011
My condolences to all of Lou's family. I recall my first days on the PFD. Lou always had a smile and kind word. He will be missed.
September 8, 2011
I was saddened to hear the news of Lou's passing. I spent several years with Lou working across the breezeway from him at resource and still remember his laugh and outside smoking his cigar. GOD speed to the family...
Bill Watkins /PFD
Tommy Johannesen
September 7, 2011
To the Balady family,
Im so sorry for this loss. I always enjoyed talking to LOU. Such a BIG HARTED GREAT GUY!! He will be missed.. R.I.P. LOU
Natelle Huntzinger
September 6, 2011
Lou always had a smile and a story and a fantastic work ethic, and he always made me feel a valued member of the Phoenix Frie Department. May all your memories of Lou make you smile.
Connie Carrola
September 6, 2011
I worked with Lou for 15+ yrs at PFD.
I always enjoyed the stories he told me about his family that he cherish so much.
May it comfort you to know that I was so very sorry to hear of your loss.
Wishing you Peace and Love at this difficult time.
Tony Alvidrez
September 6, 2011
My memories of Lou go back to when he operated a "full service" Texaco, going there to air up my bike tires, and buying kerosene for my lantern when we did backyard camping. He found time to help even the younger customers. My condolences to the Balady family.
ivette
September 5, 2011
rejoice in the hope,endure undure tribulation , persevere in prayer- romans 12:12
David Rangel
September 5, 2011
As a redshirt I always enjoyed my visits with Lou at the shop. He was kind, funny and always had a smile on his face. My brothers and I will miss him
September 5, 2011
Lou was an awesome man who really cared about his job, the PFD and the men he helped. GOD speed we will see you again. prayers to your family and friends. M.Glennie
September 5, 2011
You were one of the most beautiful people I have known. Rest in peace, my friend. Sincere condolences to special friend, Carolyn and the rest of your family. Lois LeValley
Bill Bjerke
September 4, 2011
It sadden me greatly to see that my friend Lou had passed away. I got to work & know Lou all the years we both worked at RM with PFD. Truly a wonderful man who cared so much for his family & the job he did for the PFD. As Lou always told me, he was looking forward to playing "Cow pasture pool on the weekend. I hope now he is enjoying all the golf he can fit into his schedule along with looking out for all his family & friends from above. You will be missed. My sincere condolences to Carolyn & the entire Balady family.
Tip Irish
September 4, 2011
Big Lou, what a guy.
I'm normally not an emotional guy, but when I picked up the paper this morning and saw that he had passed away, tears came to my eyes; I knew I had lost a friend. We played golf together in the Par Gent Golf Club many times. Reno, Mesquite, and local courses, most of the time I was paired with him. When ever I was asked, "What was the best golf shot I'd ever seen"? I didn't have to think, that was an easy question. Playing with Big Lou at Reno, NV. at the Lake Ridge GC, we were on the 15 th hole, 239 yards, 300 + feet above an island green surrounded by water that looked like a postage stamp. Big Lou pulled out that deadly little rescue club he always carried. He stepped up to the ball, hit it pure, and it sailed like a rabbit heading for it's hole. It hit the green near the hole, danced around the pin, and settled softly 2 feet from the hole. I never saw a man shake so much over a putt. He missed the first try, but I believe he holed out the third for a par. With that shot he also won a $150 closest to the pin prize and some other money too. The best golf shot I've ever seen, then and since. I'm sure he and the Almighty will be teeing it up in Heaven. I'll bet he will give God some serious competition. All who knew him will truly miss him. We all Loved Big Lou. R.I.P. Hope to See you Later, save me a place on the tee box.
Dana Large
September 4, 2011
I will always remember Lou, as he was one of the first people I ment on the fire department when I started at Resource as a red shirt in 83. He was always a wealth of information and I enjoyed working with him. You will be missed. Enjoy endless happiness and golf!
Mark Hellan
September 4, 2011
I also considered Lou my friend. I worked with him through his years at the PFD and he always had a great smile on his face & a great cigar waiting for him outside. We will all miss him. Thank you Carolyn for sharing him with us, if not just for a short time.
Walt Lanphier
September 4, 2011
As member of PFD I worked at resource on light duty. I became aquainted with Lou there. When I was on L33 Lou taught me a lot about our power tools.He certainly knew his job well and was a good guy too.
John Beilmann
September 4, 2011
Thanks Lou, for all your hard work over the years with the Phoenix Fire Dept. I could always count on you to keep all the power tools on my ladder truck running well and in tip top shape (a never ending task). I always knew I could come to you with any question I had concerning them. Rest in peace Lou. My sincere condolences to the family... John Beilmann, Captain (retired), Phoenix Fire Dept.
Gilbert Cardenas
September 4, 2011
Lou, You will be missed dearly. Our prayers are with your family. I can still remember your gas station stopping there to fill up my bike tires only to run into you years later at Phoenix Fire Dept.
Julie Casciato
September 4, 2011
I'm so sorry for your loss. Lou always had a smile for everyone, and he will be missed.
Kenny Simmons
September 4, 2011
I consideed Lou a good friend and as his supervisor when he was hired some had doubts about how he would work out as he had never worked for a third party. All doubts were erased immediately as he comprehended his work on equipment was to save lives. Firefighters respected his maintenace and repair of their equipment.
Lou was an excelent employee for the City of Phoenix and after my retirement I thought of him often.
Carolyn you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kenny and Dean
Patrick Rice
September 4, 2011
Dear Balady Family,
Our deepest sympathy in this time of loss.
Every Marine, past and present is an honored part of our family.
Semper Fi,
Patrick Rice
Marine Corps League
Detachment 1296
East Valley Marines
Bob Hester
September 4, 2011
Lou was good friend of mine for many years. I will always think of him as a brother. The greatest thing one man can call another is friend. Thank you Lou for being my friend. Go with God my good friend.
September 4, 2011
To the Balady Family,
On behalf of the Phoenix Fire Department Administration and Member Services, our deepest condolences on the loss of Lou. He will be missed by his Fire Family.
Captain Ron Burris
Judy Nelms
September 4, 2011
Carolyn,
I will never forget how you and Lou made my day at Cigna in Oct. 2006. I was alone and scared to death, you two turned it into a wonderful day with friends. Two very special people!
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