It is with deep sorrow that the family of Roger William Balon announce his passing on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 at St. Paul’s Hospital, Palliative Care unit. He was born on February 19, 1960 in Prince Albert, SK. He was predeceased by his father William (Bill), older brother Richard and older sister Diane in 2003, and later in 2015 he sadly lost is mother Doris. He is survived by his devoted wife Cindy, their daughters and six grandchildren Genele, Noah, Kinley, Brandy (Joe), Joey and Lacey (Shawn) Hunter, Hailey, Beau. As well as his beloved nephew Kelly, niece Shari and sister-in-law Lenna Balon, Roger grew up 1 1/4 miles west of Tway on his family heritage farm. He started his early years of education in Tway and later finished high school at Dixon Lake School in Crystal Springs. It was here that he formed life long deep friendships and developed his love for competitive sports and other extra-curricular activities. After graduating high school, Roger attended Kelsey Institute in Saskatoon where he studied the trade of welding. From there he returned to the family homestead in Tway and farmed alongside his parents. He later took over the farm and successfully established himself as an experienced and innovative farmer. Roger was dedicated to his Tway community recreation club and to his church, St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Lepine. He was a founding member of the Tway Snow Snakes Snowmobile Club and invested countless hours carving the trails and on the hunt for prize donations each year. In his early 30s, fate brought Roger back to his childhood crush, Cindy Bridge. The two married and Roger quickly found himself in new territory with three teenage daughters Genele, Lacey and Brandy. With Cindy by his side, Roger enjoyed many adventures with many wonderful friends. They filled their calendar with “must-attend” events such as Craven, Roughrider games, concerts and tropical vacations. To say Roger had strength would be an understatement. As Cindy says, the word “can’t” was never in his vocabulary. He was a brave fighter until the end, never complaining at any time. He demonstrated unimaginable strength during his 3 year battle with esophageal cancer. Roger definitely earned his big broad angel wings. The family would like to thank all of the friends and loved ones that have lent a helping hand and provided support throughout this journey. He’ll have a cold beer and witty remark waiting for us all next time we see him. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Lepine, SK with The Very Rev. Archpriest Patrick Powalinsky officiating. Interment will follow at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery. Donations in memory of Roger may be directed to St. Paul’s Hospital Palliative Care. Roger would want friends and family that are attending the funeral to wear something Roughriders or their favorite concert T-shirt. Roger would love to look down on a sea of Rider green. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Marc Blondeau of Kushneryk Funeral Service, Wakaw, SK, 306-233-4403.

• Date : 2024-11-06
• Location : Saskatoon, Saskatchewan