BALYCH: Alex Balych 1924 - 2012: Alex Balych was born November 21, 1924 at Mudare, AB. He had a very diversified life, but everyone always knew his family came first. He adored his wife Pearl and theirs was a true storybook romance from start to end. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He guided them wisely through good and bad moments. Careers included farming, welding/machine shop business, a farm implement business, commercial aviation, television, news photographer/reporter, commercial photography, businessman, commercial real estate sales and developer. Alex made the transition from farming to two exciting business partnerships with his brother Bohdan (Bud) Balych. These included Massey Harris farm implement dealership in 1949 (they were the youngest Massey Harris dealers in the province at that time) and Meadow Lake Air Services in 1951, the first commercial air service out of Meadow Lake to supply goods to remote developing uranium mines and fishing camps in Northern Saskatchewan including Uranium City and Yellowknife, NWT. Alex's achievements were many and included receiving the Saskatchewan Aviation Council's Distinguished Airman Award in 2012, inducted into the Frontier Mall Wall Of Fame in 2000, the St. John's Serving Brother Medal in 1979 (awarded by Governor General Michener), Order of St. John in 1982, 1993 received the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal in recognition of significant contributions to local community and Canada, served 8 years on the Western Development Museum Board, Founding director of the Battlefords Community Cable Television Board in 1975 and served in that position for more than 20 years, Charter officer in the North Battleford Gun Club, Charter member in the Heritage Trail Association, Commissioner of the North Battleford Chamber of Commerce, President and director of the Battlefords District Multicultural Council, Organized the funding and construction of a permanent Battlefords Chamber of Commerce and Tourist information building at the junction of Highways #16 and #40, Served as president of the Battlefords branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Responsible for the construction of a replica typical Ukrainian pioneer house and erecting a monument honouring pioneers at the Western Development Pioneer Village in 1967. Alex is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Pearl (nee Maksymchuk); children: Lesya (Gordon Cooper), Elaine (Jim Welch) and Maurice; grandchildren: Nina, Ty, Marco and Coren; brothers: Miron, Bud, Mike; sister, Anna; cousins, nieces and nephews. His friendship, leadership and love will be missed by all whose lives he touched. His legacy will last forever. Panakhyda - Prayer Service was held Friday, November 2, 2012 followed by Divine Funeral Liturgy, Saturday, November 3, 2012 - both Services from the Ukrainian Catholic Church Of All Saints, North Battleford, SK with Father Vladimir Simunovic Celebrant. The Cross Bearers were Nina Balych & Gordon Cooper and the Pallbearers were Maurice Balych, Ty Balych, Marco Balych, Gordon Cooper, Jin Welch and John Dorsey. Interment took place at the City Of North Battleford Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. 446-4200 ____________________________________________________
