It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of their beloved David Balzer in the Grace Hospital on the morning of Thursday February 2nd, 2023 at the age of 94.

 

David was predeceased by his loving wife Joyce, his parents David and Elizabeth Balzer, brothers Dan, George, sister Edna, and grandchild David. David is survived by his eldest sister Kay (97 years old).

 

David is also survived by his six boys, Ray (Linda), David (Lorraine), Gordon (Rosy), Tom (Barb), Darren (Karen), Dean (Brenda), and eleven grandchildren Trisha, Brian, Amanda, Jenny, Josh, Melissa, Roger, Mia, Tyler, Bryton, Harley, and nine great-grandchildren Brian Jr, Kylee, Emmaline, Dain, Finn, Emmy, Bo, Oden, and Max.

 

A special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff who cared for David during his time at the Grace Hospital. Also, a special thank you to Shane Neufeld of Ethical Deathcare for all his help with the final arrangements and guidance throughout the process.

 

In accordance with David’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will be held at a later date.

 

The family encourages the sharing of stories, memories, and condolences by using the comment section of this tribute page.

 

David was very proud of his six boys. He was kept busy driving the boys to their hockey, football, or baseball games. As the boys grew older, and slowly moved away from sports, they still needed their dad’s help. Whether it was car repairs, home renovations, or moving from one house to another, the first person to call for help was dad. He was a true handyman who could do it all. If the work was to start at 9am, you could bet he would be there at 8am. He was never late for anything in his life.

 

David worked for MTS for almost forty years. He volunteered with the Telephone Pioneers, and frequently drove one of their old trucks in parades throughout the province. David also loved the outdoors and travelling. When the boys were young, he loved taking them to Delta Beach. They loved wieners, beans, and a big jug of A&W root beer.

 

Years later, Selkirk Park became the summer vacation spot for the family, including the beloved family dog Chico. Then it was on to Winnipeg Beach where David and Joyce spent many summers and developed many lifelong friendships.

 

David and Joyce also loved to dance and to have a good time. They often went to the Eagles Club on William Avenue on a Saturday night to dance and have fun with fellow members. Sometimes they would go to the local Legion to play Bingo.

 

David wasn’t much of a gambler, but he did like to go on the bus trips to Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, Minnesota. Joyce was more of the gambler in the family. David would put one quarter in the poker slot machine, look around for five minutes, change his mind, and then look for the coin return button to push so he could get his quarter back.

 

David also loved large family get-togethers. Whether it was Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, there was always lots of food, drink, and good times. AND LOUD!

 

Don’t tell the grandchildren this, but David was also Santa Claus at Polo Park for several years. He loved being Santa.

 

David also was very good with his woodworking skills. He would build picnic tables, bird houses, and almost anything you could make with wood.

 

As most people know, David was not shy. He loved to talk to family, friends, or anybody else who would listen to him. It didn’t matter what the topic was, David had an opinion on everything. People were afraid to ask David what time it was, because he would end up telling them how to build a watch.

 

David and Joyce also lived at Betelstadur Housing Co-Op on Sargent Avenue for many years. They enjoyed their time there and developed many friendships along the way. David volunteered as a board member and organized and scheduled apartment maintenance.

 

After Joyce’s passing in 2010, David remained at Betelstadur for many years before moving to the Lion’s Place.

 

David will be greatly missed by so many and will forever be in our hearts. We so deeply cherish our time that we had with him while he was here, and we will cherish the memories we shared with him forever.