KELLY BALAK

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KELLY BALAK It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kelly Mark Balak at age 52. He passed with his loved ones at his side after a lengthy 26 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He was born November 17, 1965 in Winnipeg and grew up in the rural community of Dugald and later the Transcona area. Kelly was a very active and mischievous little boy often getting into trouble with his two older brothers. Growing up and throughout his adult life he was passionate about sports. He excelled at many and others he played just for fun. These included: volleyball, track, baseball, hockey, sponge hockey and fly-out-fishing. He also loved his Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers. It didn't take Kelly long to realize his other passion in life - sports cars! Corvettes were his particular favorite. While in high school he began working at Canadian Tire as a mechanical assistant and then moved onto an approximate 10 year career at Vickar Community Chevrolet as an autobody trimmer/mechanic assistant until his illness prohibited him from working any longer. He later moved to the Birds Hill area where he became reacquainted with a long-time friend who became the love of his life and soulmate, Eleanor Chuckry. They shared many wonderful times together along with their family of three loving dogs (Rosco - passed, Gizmo - passed and Cooper - present) over the past 22 years. One of Kelly's greatest gifts was his ability to make people laugh. Even though he was often struggling on the inside and had many daily challenges, he always enjoyed putting a smile on other peoples' faces. He will be fondly remembered for his many impersonations, jokes and humorous sayings. Kelly was predeceased by his parents, Lil and John Balak and is survived by his loving wife Eleanor; brothers, Terry (Theresa) and John Jr.; his brothers-in-law, Bill (Terri), George (Dahlila); sister-in-law Mary, mother-in-law Olga; several nephews and nieces, cousins, aunts and uncles and very special uncle and Godfather Ron Slezak (Tony Fraser). Thank you to Dr. Caners and the staff at Concordia Hospital for their wonderful care. Cremation has taken place and an interment will take place Thursday, December 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Sunnyside Cemetery with a luncheon to follow in the chapel basement at Seasons Funeral Chapel, 576 Balsam Cres., Oakbank, MB. seasonsfunerals.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 02, 2017