July 7, 1947 - October 7, 2018
Tom Balaski passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at the age of 71 years, after a battle with lung cancer.
Tom worked hard as the oldest son in the family from a small community where higher education was a struggle. He set the example and blazed a trail for his siblings, showing them that adventure beyond home was possible. He eventually graduated in 1969 with a geophysics degree from the University of British Columbia and immediately went to work at Gulf Oil in Calgary. After leaving Gulf in 1986, he worked several contract positions, and completed his career working for the National Energy Board.
During his time at Gulf, he made a lot of wonderful friends, taking these friendships into the sports he enjoyed playing: baseball and curling.
Tom was not an exotic traveler, but he enjoyed many trips out to BC to visit his family. On Christmas, 2017, his family all gathered for a celebration to be remembered in Vernon. Tom got to spend a wonderful few days with many of the people who mattered most to him. Tom's other favorite vacation was enjoying the heat each fall in Laughlin, NV.
Tom is survived by his son Cristian (Marie); daughter Shannon; granddaughter Katarina (Jeff);two great-grandsons Niklaus and Jace; his mother Ruth; brothers Tim, Michael (Lorraine), and Brian; and brother-in- law Ted.
He was predeceased by his father Alex; brother Ken; sister Gwen; and sister Tanya.
A memorial for Tom in Vernon, BC will be announced at a later date. Please forward condolences through www.hffs.com.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to an animal charity of your choice.
