.
.
.
.
My Thoughts of George
By:
Rebecca Balch
My father-in-law, George Balch was the finest human being I have ever known. On a scale of 1-10, he was a twenty. He was, and shall remain, a shining example of human spirit. When God made man in his own likeness, the embodiment of that was George Balch.
My father-in-law was a man of many accomplishments and talents, but what endears him most to my heart were his qualities of kindness, compassion and generosity. George knew how to make you feel like a million bucks. Even if you had served him a burnt hot dog that had fallen off the grill, into the dirt and licked by the dog, he would have made you feel like you had given him a gourmet five-course meal.
He unselfishly gave all he had to give to others. When George crossed paths with some poor, downtrodden, unfortunate soul, he would look beyond the circumstances that brought them there and find them deserving of some good deed. He was always the first to offer a kind word, a helping hand, a sandwich, a safe shelter or his last five dollars. George had the ability to see the potential in people when they themselves could not. And in doing so, he elevated many who had lost their way onto a better path in life.
Even in the last days of his life, George was a source of comfort and guidance to his family and friends. He urged all of us to go on with our lives; to be happy, productive and at peace with his passing.
My father-in-law, George Balch, was an inspiration to all those who knew him. He raised the standard of husband, father, brother, grandfather, friend and neighbor for us all. As we gather to reflect on his life, and to mourn his passing, let us raise ourselves to that standard in our everyday lives. Maybe offer a warm smile, a word of encouragement or a pat on the back to a passerby.
George had a good life. He shared a love with Elizabeth, the depth of which few have known. He raised and nurtured a strong, loving family who adored him. And, he enjoyed many treasured and dear friendships. He made a difference in people’s lives through his work as a YMCA Director. George excelled in his beloved sport of judo and attained great heights. He had many blessings in his life and we were all blessed to have been in his presence.
Wow! What a way to run a railroad.
GRANDPA
By Jake
Grandpa made me think about when we would play baseball in the yard.
When we would watch hockey or football games together.
When he went to the Olympics, I was shocked.
When he would build a slide for us to splash into the pond.
We would go see the horses and feed them.
When we would play card games, he would always let me win.
He makes me think, how good a person can be.
He would tell me things that I did not understand.
And when he would let me help him with things around the house
MY
GRANDPA
By Shayne L. Balch
I
knew my grandpa would always be there
and I knew he would always care
He'd try comfort me through the bad
and always cheer me up when I was sad
But now he's gone away
And he'll be there to stay
A heavenly place for him alone
Where he can think all on his own
I know he's in a better place
From which he can stare down at my face
So I'm so glad to know
He's found a heavenly home.