Kevin Dale Balmforth

Kevin Dale Balmforth, 62, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2017. He was born to George and Jeness Balmforth on July 2, 1955 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was one of nine children, although only four survived into adulthood.   While growing up Kevin loved to play in the snow of Idaho. He also played football for a little bit in junior high. He had various jobs while in high school but his favorite one was being an x-ray technician at the hospital. He discovered the hobby of amateur radio (ham radio) when he was a teenager and continued with that hobby his whole life.   Kevin went to college at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. There he received a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering. He took time out to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). He was called to the Navajo reservation in Holbrook, Arizona. He learned the language and loved the people. He retained the language his entire life and loved teaching his children and grandchildren the song “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” in Navajo.   While Kevin was finishing his Bachelor’s degree he met the love of his life. Jacquie came up from California to Utah to attend BYU in January 1979. Since she wasn’t used to snow Kevin was more than happy to show her the ropes. They were married that summer and stayed in Utah for one more year while Kevin earned his Master’s from BYU.   Kevin and Jacquie then moved to Fullerton, California and have lived there ever since. They have five children, three in-law children, and ten grandchildren.   After three children were born Kevin and Jacquie decided to further Kevin’s education. So he attended University of Southern California (USC) and received his Engineer Degree which includes all of the classwork and oral exams of a PhD but no dissertation. This third degree helped him progress at work. Kevin worked as an engineer for 37 years. His specialty was sonar. He was able to work on many interesting projects, including an unmanned submarine that was being ocean-tested when he had to stop working   Kevin always loved music. He learned to play the piano at a young age and kept improving this talent. He loved just playing at home or accompanying a singer or playing solos. Classical music has always been dear to his heart but he also enjoyed listening to jazz music and classic rock. Lately he became a convert to country music.   Kevin was a wonderful father. He always had time to listen and play with his kids. He especially loved playing one-on-one basketball against his sons. He jokingly sorrowed when each one got tall enough and good enough to beat him. He loved taking his girls to the Daddy/Daughter activities and hearing about their days. He particularly liked watching them play soccer and just seeing what strong women they were becoming.   Kevin was the best husband ever. He treated Jacquie with respect and always told her he loved her. They were partners in the best sense of the word.   Kevin’s testimony of Jesus Christ permeated his life. His love for the Savior and wish to follow his example shaped all of his decisions. Kevin was kind and loving to everyone.          The viewing will be 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM Saturday, August 19, 2017 with the funeral service beginning at 10:00 AM both at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - Raymond Ward in Fullerton. Burial will be 12 PM Saturday, August 19 at Loma Vista Memorial Park, Fullerton.