Joseph BALEN

BALEN, Joseph
On Sunday October 6, 2013, Joseph Balen of Drayton Valley passed away peacefully at the age of 92 years.
Joseph will be deeply missed by his son, Louis (Lorraine) of Drayton Valley; three grandchildren, Alexa, Drew and Teague Balen; sister, Mary Nedimovich of Matsqui, B.C.; special brothers-in-law, Peter (Carol) Chalick of Kelowna, Joseph (Jean) Rapaich of Edmonton; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Balen of North Vancouver, Marg Balen of Drayton Valley and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Bessie in 2008; parents, Louis and Anne; younger brothers, Nick and John; as well as mother- in-law, Luba Rapaich.
Joseph came to Canada as a seven year old in 1928 to Mercoal, Alberta from Yugoslavia. It was here that he first become a Coal Brancher. His youth took him to mining towns from southern Alberta to Flin Flon to Northern Ontario and back. With the passing of his mother in 1936, Joseph moved to the Peace Country to live with his mother's relatives the Sarich's and Barbarich's which he often reflected upon. Joseph returned to the Coal Branch to Mountain Park, where he worked for the Mine Company as a machinist and mechanic. In 1943 he married Bessie Chalick his wife of 64 years. They stayed in Mountain Park until its closing in 1950, and it was here that many lifelong friendships were made. In 1956 the family moved to Drayton Valley where Joseph worked for Pembina Pipeline until his retirement in 1986. During his years in Drayton Valley he served on the recreation board, coached hockey, curled and became an avid golfer especially enjoying the annual golfing trips to Jasper with the Pembina boys. Joseph always enjoyed family gatherings. He will be remembered as a mentor and a man who maintained a calmness and sense of humor, always a gentleman.
Cremation has taken place and a family gathering will be held at a later date.
Special thanks to Dr. Murphy, Shangri-La Lodge, Home Care, and the Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Drayton Valley Health Services Foundation, 4550 Madsen Avenue, Drayton Valley, Alberta T7A 1N8.
Arrangements entrusted to Dean E. Haubrich - Cremation Consultant (780) 621-7880.