Dave Balon

Still my First Hockey Idol

I spent 5 years with Dave as his GM when he coached the Humboldt Broncos He was one of the greatest persons I have ever know We had so many good times with him and Gwen. I keep thinking about and the story and jokes he would tell I will always remember him

A great player strong and good with the puck he played to win that was dave balon 2 cups that he earned !!

rest in peace buddy i just found out great memories when we were young in wakaw and cudworth sask. ron halabet peachland b.c.

He was my hero back then. I imagined I was him when on the ice. Thanks 17, your back on the ICE again

I just read of Dave's death. I believe he was a cousin of my late grandmother Natalie Balon Ghidini of Connecticut. I am so sorry for your loss.

My deepest and belated condolences to the family of Mr Balon. I just read about his passing and I would be remiss if I did not write some things about this great man. I am a 58 year old man and as a boy in the mid sixties, I followed hockey with an incredible passion. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Balon many times as I would always go to the visiting players gate before and after the game to get the visitng teams autographs. I even use to go to the old LaSalle Hotel where the teams stayed and I figured it would less trouble for the players to sign autographs there. I got Mr. Balon's autograph many times on programs and index cards and I will never forget how polite and humble he was and he always had a nice word to say after I thanked him. He was a terrific left winger who I enjoyed watching when he played for Montreal. He played with some giants on those teams but he will always be a giant in my book.

Sincerely,

Walter Pompei

My condolences to Dave's family.....I was so happy when he was traded to my Canucks in '71....I have several of his hockey cards in my collection. His battle is thankfully over and he now waits for his loved ones in a better place.

From Milan, a 60 year old madison square garden usher and amateur hockey player read of Mr. Dave Benon's passing on the Ranger's site. I saw almost all his games... and remember the surprise of coming to know of his greatness game by game. Goal after goal... The image I have is of him hustling into the corner, arriving first, and creating opportunities. Number 17 ... 'This guy is good ... a winner among winners.' This was Mr. Belon for me, and many, many hockey fans. Vincent Lombardo P.S. My cousin (almost sister), 42, has MS.... and I will be close to her.. as we all are still ... to number 17!!!!!!

sorry to hear of your loss rhonda
daves granddaughter in thunder bay

My sympathy to Gwen and the Balon family. I cherish the memorabilia I received from the Balon family. Dave was an incredible hockey player.Thank you for your kindness.

I was fortunate to visit with Dave at the Herb Bassett the last few years,as my brother is still there.
From our early years working together at Prince Albert National Park on the garbage truck,to meeting in Toronto at a Rangers game,going on boat rides at Waskesui,our visits in Prince Albert,the one redeeming character of Dave was his pure genuineness and
strong character.Yes he was an NHL
Great but in the people world he was loved and respected

Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Dave. He was a great hockey player.
Albert(Fanna) & Rita Ostrosky

June 7
My deepest sympathies to the Balon family. I hope they know that Dave's life and career impacted many far beyond Wakaw and the NHL cities in which he played. The perseverance and professionalism that typified his career in the "original six" inspire me everyday. Rest easy "20", rest easy.

my fondest memories of Dave are when he, and his 2 brothers played for the P.A. Mintos- all young girls in the area were in awe of him and his humor-my deepest sympathy-you have truly lost a Northern Sask. treasure may your memories sustain you

I remember Dave as a quiet,hardwork
ing forward as a player with the
Rangers,Canadiens,North Stars and
Canucks,real similar in style and
personality to Jacques Lemaire.Any-
body who's got their name on the
Stanley Cup not once but twice can
certainly be proud of achieving a
lofty pinnacle such as that.It's a
shame that his playing career had to be cut short by his disease.

My deepest sympathy to the Balon family. Dave Balon was one of my favorite players as a New York Ranger. I have his stick from a 1970-1971 game!! I'll treasure it even more. My memories of the left winger on the "Bulldog Line" will last forever!!

Deepest sympathy to the Balon family.

My deepest sympathy on the loss of one hockeys pioneers. I still have his trading card from when he played in Vancouver. Again my deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the Balon family in this time of sorrow.

many good memories of fun times in Waskesu

we remember our happy days at Waskesiu,Gwen. We are thinking of you all.
Les and Karen Solymos
Kelowna,BC.

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

RIP

Rest in Peace Dave.

Our thoughts and prayers are with
you in your time of sorrow. May your memories bring you comfort and peace

REST IN PEACE DAVE BALON