Mike Balogh, born June 20, 1931, passed away peacefully in Nanaimo on April 15, 2020.
Mike was born to Hungarian immigrant parents, the late Mihaly and Ida Balogh, in Calgary, Alberta, and had many fond memories of his childhood there. The family moved to the Abbotsford area in 1945 when his parents purchased a farm on the Sumas Prairie. He lived there until graduating from Philip Sheffield High School in Abbotsford in 1949.
Mike met Anita Helsing while attending UBC. They married in 1954 and moved to Port Alberni, where he embarked on a 30+ year career with MacMillan Bloedel, most of which he spent as an engineer at Sproat Lake, Franklin River and Cypre/Tofino Divisions, before finishing as a check scaler at Alberni Log Supply.
Mike felt it was important to be involved in the community, and he volunteered with many organizations, including as a scorekeeper for many sporting organizations, from the Alberni Athletics Basketball team in the 1950s to the Nanaimo Clippers up until a few years ago. He was also an active member of Alberni SAR for many years. Somehow, Mike and Anita managed to find time to raise three boys, and Mike also always found time to keep current with his growing stamp collection. In retirement, they enjoyed travelling the world.
Mike was predeceased by his granddaughter Nikki Balogh, and by his brother-in-law, David Kemle. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Anita, sons Allan (Kathy) of 150 Mile House, Steve (Louise) of Gatineau, Quebec, and Ray (Cathy) of Deep Bay, grandchildren Joe (Andria), Catherine and Amelie, and great grandchildren Felix and Beatrix. He is also survived by his sister, Ida Kemle of Issaquah, Washington, and her family.
The family would like to thank the staff of Berwick on the Lake, and Dr. Wallis for making Mike comfortable in his last days.
No service by request. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
First Memorial Funeral Services