Obituary of Delane Joseph Balog

December 12, 1945 - Lethbridge, Alberta

March 6, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

 

Delane Joseph Balog passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at the age of 78 years, at the Bethany Care Centre in Calgary, AB.

 

He was born in Lethbridge, AB, to Joseph and Stella Balog. The family lived on a farm in Milk River, AB, before moving to farms in Killam, AB, and Holden, AB.

 

Delane was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Leslie Balog of Camrose, AB, and Stella Mary Balog of Edmonton, AB. He is survived by three brothers and one sister-in-law, Clifford and Mark Balog, both of Edmonton, AB; and Brian (Heather) Balog of Sherwood Park, AB; as well as five sisters and four brothers-in-law, Elaine (Dwayne) of Camrose, AB, Beverly (Wayne-Deceased) of St. Albert, AB, Rosemary (James) of Edmonton, AB, Yvonne (Edward) of Edmonton, AB, and Rhonda (Lynn) of Camrose, AB. Delane is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

 

As a young child, Delane spent a lot of time with his sister Elaine, often staying over at grandpa and grandma Balog’s home in Milk River. The bond between them was strong, and they also spent time at their uncle Steve and aunt Helen’s home.

 

Throughout his life, Delane enjoyed several hobbies, including a passion for collecting comics, carefully preserved in plastic covers in a large trunk. He was fascinated with the beauty of marbles, and had a large tin container of them, now held by his brother Brian. 

 

Delane possessed a keen aptitude for mathematics, demonstrating remarkable skill in mental arithmetic. He relished the challenge of numbers and excelled in his academic pursuits.

 

Following his high school education, Delane relocated to Calgary, where he found tranquility in a family home environment with a caregiver. In 2019, Delane experienced a stroke, leading to his residence at the Bethany Care Centre in Calgary, AB, and later transfer to the palliative care unit due to personal medical needs.

 

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”

 

In the heart of Alberta,

A man's life came to a close

Delane Balog, aged 78

Now in eternal repose

 

Born in Lethbridge, he was

A son of Joseph and Stella

On a farm in Milk River

His childhood was ever stellar

 

They later moved to Killam

Then Holden's land they'd till

But Delane's strength and love of numbers

Were the things that gave him thrill

 

His siblings he dearly loved

Three brothers and five sisters

Their bond unbreakable, anchored

By memories and love's fixtures

 

Growing up, he spent time

With his sister, Elaine

And with his grandparents too

Their home a cherished domain

 

A collector of comics,

And marbles too you see

Delane had a special love

For things that brought him glee

 

In Calgary, he found peace

With a caregiver's loving care

And even after a stroke

A math whiz he'd still declare

 

In Bethany Care Centre

Delane spent his final days

But his spirit lives on

In hearts and memories always

 

Now his family and friends

Bid him farewell with love

As a tree is planted in his memory

In the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation above

 

Delane Balog, a life well-lived

A life of love and grace

Rest in peace, dear friend

As we look to the Lord's face.

 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Delane’s family here.

 

In living memory of Delane Balog, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.