Obituary of Warren George Balan

On September 16^th 1969, Warren George Balan was born to Sheila and George Balan at the Holy Family Hospital in Prince Albert.

Little brother to Garrett and Allan then eventually big brother to Donna.

Warren was always our “Little scrub” or “Hornet”.

He terrified us all when on June 14^th 1976 he was hit by a train while walking home from school. He was taken by ambulance to Saskatoon where a city police cruiser escorted the ambulance to the University hospital, clearing a path for a critically injured 6 year old child.

(Then) manager of Parkland ambulance wrote that police provided the most safe, effective escort I have ever witnessed. It was such a moving event for me I had a lump in my throat to see the love people still have for each other and the cooperation in an all-out effort to save this young boy’s life

 A tough couple of years followed but his bones and scars eventually healed and left him a bit of a local legend… the kid that survived getting hit by a train.

He was one tough kid… growing up in the West flat with two older brothers … he learned how to be strong, to take a punch and to give one in return… he was tough… tough and quiet… the most unpredictable kind!

Warren was very athletic; he played floor hockey and other sports including football and was on the city champion Parkland Rams in 1984. He was also a provincial level tennis player… showing up with just his cheap Woolco racket, a tube of balls, shorts and knee high white socks and “trouncing all the guys with all their expensive gear”. He also cycled everywhere… summer and winter.  This past July he cycled from Saskatoon to Prince Albert just to visit.

He was a very cunning opponent on the tennis court and also on the soccer field. In 2009 he helped revive the Cumberland soccer group.  He was said to possess a very gentle nature and was considerate and humble on the soccer pitch and was a “smart soccer player”. One team mate said “We will miss his quiet enthusiasm and sly strategic positioning on the sides and smooth accurate passing on the soccer field”.  Friends and team mates all echoed that Warren was very quiet but so kind and such a “nice guy”.  Once you were in… you were really in… a more loyal friend you would never find.

Warren was the ultimate computer nerd… when he was young he spent hours in his basement room drinking slushes, writing programs and creating amazing things with his computers.  Before you could buy a program in a box store he was writing them on his own.  He was very gifted.

He completed his schooling in Prince Albert then went to technical school in Moose Jaw.  For a period of time Warren worked at his family’s gas station, Pepsi, Venice House and other jobs, then in March of 2011 started working with Sask Tel where he could truly apply his talents.

His manager shared:  Warren was a genuinely kind and incredibly smart problem solver with his customers. He was always willing to go the extra mile to help someone in need.  His caring spirit prompted him to spend endless hours creating ‘virtual’ tools which helped his peers to support their customers as well. Warren was never one to seek recognition; it was his nature to do well with speed and accuracy.  His friends and co-workers will miss his sense of humour and creative mind, as evidenced in the many videos he created over the years!  Warren was a valued, respected, and appreciated member of the SaskTel family.  His insightful advice and authentic caring nature will be missed.

Warren’s greatest achievement was that of a Father to his son Peter. Peter was the center of his world. His home was a veritable shrine to his son with pictures, crafts and priceless pieces created on wrinkled paper with multi colored crayons, proudly displayed on almost every surface of wall. He looked forward to spending time with Peter and did just that… he spent time with his son.  Before Peter was able to talk Warren learned that you could teach kids sign language which he did. It was funny to watch them having conversations with is son without using words… like a secret they only knew.  He was extremely loving and fiercely protective… ensuring that no harm ever came to his little boy.  When they were apart his real joy came from looking forward to the next time they would be together when he could focus his attention on loving and teaching his son and to the new, creative activities they would enjoy together.  Kids were drawn to him and he had a special love for his niece and nephews who loved him in return and referred to him affectionately as “Uncle butt-head”.

Warren was a no B.S. guy… if he didn’t like you… you’d know it… if he did… you knew that too.  Warren was very private - those close to him would say “that was an understatement”.  He was also full of surprises.  We discovered that he was teaching himself how to play keyboard, and that he took great pride in resurrecting his lawn after it was “destroyed” by his dog Wilson. 

How do you summarize 52 years in a few short paragraphs… the answer is that you can’t!

He was a son, a brother, a father, a husband, an uncle, a partner, a friend, a colleague, a team mate and an opponent.

On September 10^th, 2021 Warren passed away peacefully in his sleep 6 days before his 52^nd birthday.

I can say with certainty that he lived a life that left his family and friends with pride, good memories, funny stories and a fair number of tears

Now, Warren, those of us that knew and loved you are always going to miss you!

 You are in a much better place, and we are left here with you in our hearts.

Warren leaves behind his immediate family:

Son Peter

Father and Mother George and Sheila Balan

Brothers Garrett and Allan (Shelley) Balan

Sister Donna Balan

Nephews Liam and Cade, Niece Morgan

Honorary  family:

Partner Lorianne Brown, Mackenzie and Zach Minto

Felix and Carol Hoehn

Numerous friends who shared his life

And

His Sask Tel family.

Those that will greet him:

Grandparents:  Peter and Mary Warkentin - John and Annie Balan

A Private Family Gathering will be held to celebrate Warren’s life.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK (306) 763-3322.