Andy Balla
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Andy Balla announces his peaceful passing on April 20, 2016 at Macaulay Lodge in Whitehorse, Yukon.
Born in 1929 in Onoway, Alberta, Andy was the second son of Harry and Clara Balla. Although times were often hard on the little farm in Northern Alberta, Andy’s work ethic and love of family was shaped by his early life there. In later years, the “farm” was always on his mind, and he loved to tell stories of his many adventures there.
Andy first moved to the Yukon in 1955. It was in Whitehorse that he met the love of his life, Helen, and they married in 1962. Andy and Helen spent their early married life in Whitehorse, before moving to Edmonton, and later Calgary and Stettler, Alberta. It was in Whitehorse that their four children were born, and many lifelong friendships were made. Andy and Helen returned to the Yukon in 2010.
Andy’s infectious smile, playful nature and wonderful sense of humour will be greatly missed. He was our husband, our father, our grandfather, our brother, our uncle, but mostly our friend.
Andy is pre-deceased by his infant son, Danny, his brothers, Tom, Mike, Orest, David and Rudolph, and his Mom and Dad (Clara and Harry). He will be forever missed by his wife, Helen, his children, Lena (Bryan), Myke (Sheri) and Rob (Jackie), his grandchildren Amanda, Matthew, Nicholas, Jacob, Ryan, Kyle, Danielle, and great-grandchildren Amelia and Archer, his sister Pauline and family, his brothers Victor (Treva), Howard (Joyce), Ben (Cecile) and Lawrence (Lynn) and their families, as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. Chau, and the staff at Macaulay Lodge for the excellent and compassionate care given to Andy while he was there.
There will be a visitation with family and friends at Heritage North Funeral Home on Thursday, April 28th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The service will be held at Riverdale Baptist Church on Saturday, April 30th at 1:00 pm, followed by interment at Grey Mountain Cemetery.
There will be refreshments and story-telling at the family home of Rob and Jackie (6 Aspen Place, Porter Creek, phone 633-2399 or 334-9903) from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. All are welcome.
Helen, Lena, Myke and Rob would like to thank all of the family and friends who came to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Andy, especially considering the long distances that many of you had to come.
