Gary Frederick Balkam Sr., age 67 of Oxford Junction, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 31, 2010, after a couragous battle with cancer. Born in Halifax, he was the son of the late Victor and Rose (Gay) Balkam.
As a young man, Gary was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, later he was employed with Corrections Canada as a guard at the Dorchester Penitentiary for 13 years until he retired. He went on to own and operate his own contracting business, Balkam Quality Contracting. He was an active member of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 36, Oxford. Gary enjoyed wood working, collecting sports memorabilia, and spending time with his family. He could always be found enjoying his coffee and cigarette.
Gary is survivied by his wife of 28 years, Patricia (Doncaster) Balkam, daughter, Anette Balkam (Jim) of Moncton; sons Gary Balkam Jr. of Amherst, Cpl. Victor Balkam of CFB Wainwright, AB and Cpl. Bryan (Jaime) Balkam MB of CFB Aldershot, NS; three grandchildren, Jessica, Jayden, and Brenden; nephew, Gary (Alex) Hunter, as well as several other nephews and nieces.
He was predeceased by his sister, Heather Hunter and his first wife Marilyn Sprague.
Arrangements have been entrusted to W Allen Funeral Home, 60 Water Street, Oxford (447-2167), from where visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 from 7-9 pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 2pm, Rev. Gary MacDougall officiating. Burial will follow in the Amherst Cemetery. Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 36 will hold a service on Wednesday at 6:45 pm at the funeral home. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Gary may do so to the Military Family Resource Center.
www.allenfuneralhome.ca