May 8, 1941 – April 1, 2016

Beverly (Bev) Kenneth Balone of Edmonton, Alberta (formerly of Wakaw, SK) passed away at the age of 74 on April 1, 2016 in the kind care of the Edmonton People in Need Shelter Society.  He was born on May 8, 1941 in Val D’or, Quebec as the first son of William (Bill) and Mary Ann Balone who farmed for many years in the Lepine-Wakaw, SK area.

Bev or Kenneth, as he was known to his family, spent his early years helping on the farm with the crops, he especially enjoyed the farm animals.  He grew up to be a tall, strong man who excelled in mathematics at school, was an excellent swimmer, and long distance runner.  He joined the Canadian Armed Forces based in Manitoba, during his service he won many athletic awards in Track and Field, and Marksmanship.  He later moved to the Edmonton area where he found his calling in the Catholic religion, spending many years studying and practicing his faith.  Kenneth felt a spiritual bond with the religious ways of the Native and Metis cultures, attending the Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples.  He very much enjoyed the music of the Gregorian Chants, which he found to be peaceful, and good for one’s soul.  Kenneth was an avid reader, spending many hours every week at the Edmonton Public Library, studying mostly medicine, which he combined with his love of drinking coffee next door at Second Cup.

Family members that are left to mourn his passing and cherish his memory are his siblings; Shirley in Ottawa, ON, Edward in Wakaw, SK, Patricia in Ottawa, ON, Arthur in Thunder Bay,ON, and Judy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; his elderly aunt, Evelyn in Trenton, ON; and several nieces, nephews, cousins.  He is predeceased by his loving parents William (2011), and Mary Ann (1996).

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 8, 2016 at 11:00 am, at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, 10821 96 St NW, Edmonton, AB

Interment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 14611 Mark Messier Trail, Edmonton, AB

If friends and family so desire, donations can be made and would be graciously accepted at the Edmonton People in Need Shelter Society at 9536-103 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5H 0G9.