Tom Balas

Tom Balas, Artist, died peacefully on April 2, 2013 with his daughter by his side at Epoch Senior Healthcare in Harwich, MA. His health and independence had suffered a steady decline after complications of Open Heart surgery in 2008. Born on May 3, 1931 in Uniontown, PA, he was predeceased by his wife Janet and two sons Lars and David Balas of Boston. Surviving members of his family are daughter Diane and son-in-law Val Weber of Vermont, sisters Marty Balas of Vancouver, Kak Balas of Michigan and grandson Eric Balas of Mass. His passions were Art and Jazz and he always had a love of nature that is reflected in his extraordinary paintings and drawings. After sowing his wild oats in the 1950s and 60s around Boston Tom moved to Brewster in 1972 with his daughter Diane. He worked as picture framer at Cape Cod Photo & Art Supply in Orleans for 23 years, retiring in 2002. He had his own Jazz program Crosscurrents on WOMR in Provincetown 1993-1999. He took great pleasure biking daily, weather permitting, into his late 70s, on Cape Cod Rail Trail close to home in Brewster. Tom showcased his Art with his Retrospective 1957-2007 collection of paintings and drawings at the Craine Gallery in Snow Library in May 2007. This beautiful and unusual collection will not be forgotten by those of us lucky enough to have seen it. Intelligent, Eccentric, Independent, Stubborn, Generous, Kind, and Humorous, my father, my friend, you will not be forgotten and will be missed by many. A celebration of his life will be on Sept 7 in Brewster 3-7pm. Call Diane 802-333-4405 or email TBalas090713@ gmail.com for details. Notes of comfort and sympathy may be made to his family at www.MorrisOConnorBlute.com