Eulogy for Dr. William Daniel Balacko

This past Easter Sunday, Dr. William Daniel Balacko, spent the morning at the Grace Hospital and celebrated the resurrection with his Lord and Saviour in Heaven later that same day.

He was predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Kathie Balacko, sister Audrey (Al) Roberts. He is survived by his wife Jackie; three sons Scott, Graham, Mark (Abby) and grandson Jacob. He is survived by cousin Ronnie (Dee-Anne) Balacko; nephew Daniel Roberts (Tammi), Rhiannon and Riley.

Bill’s mother was a first generation Canadian whose parents originated in Austria. Just after the first world war, as children his father and two siblings immigrated to Canada from Roumania, escaping the revolution.

Bill grew up and attended high school in East Kildonan. His career began at Ebbling Pharmacy and at the age of 14 Bill delivered prescriptions on his bike to customers after school. This job garnered his interest in the field of pharmacy. Bill’s university days included working at the Canada Packer’s slaughter house, aside his father.

In 1967 Bill graduated with a B.Sc. Degree in Pharmacy from the University of Manitoba. For several years Bill was employed with Eli Lillie as a drug rep and as a pharmacist in both Winnipeg and Thompson. With higher goals in mind, he enrolled in The University of The Pacific, in Stockton, CA known for its rigorous accelerated program and completed his Pharm. D in just one year.

Having known Jackie for a year, he returned to Winnipeg where they were married. Together they moved to Mission Viejo for Bill’s practicum completion. Bill maintained his California license throughout his career should he desire to relocate.

Jackie and Bill returned to Winnipeg one year later. They attended the Portage Avenue Baptist Church and it was here that Bill was baptized upon his profession of faith in Christ. This changed the trajectory of his life. In later years the family also served at Grant Memorial Baptist Church where they raised their family within the church. Their home was a place of hospitality for family and friends including home bible studies.

In 1974 Tache Pharmacy opened it’s doors. Bill’s mother worked the front counter and Jackie and Bill’s sister worked in concert doing the bookwork. At the forefront of Tache Pharmacy, Christian books and free Daily Bread booklets were always available. His dedicated core staff became the backbone of the pharmacy’s 52 years of servitude. Together they put Tache on the map frequently securing “life saving medications” which would otherwise have been unavailable. Tache also owes much to those who provided services for it’s success. Bill enjoyed his relationships with physicians, faithful customers, the medical community, group homes, as well as family and friends. Some staff remain close friends to date.

Bill provided employment, medications, supplies and anonymously discounted meds for the disadvantaged. Being on call 24/7, Bill found himself at the pharmacy for emergency scripts and deliveries, false alarms, and even attempted thefts at gunpoint after hours. Bill was often seen leaving events early to deliver emergency prescriptions.

Tache Pharmacy became one of the longest-standing specialized compounding services in Winnipeg, including bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and palliative care.

In early 2000 Bill created “Cantrust”, a Manitoba online pharmacy, servicing our American neighbours for nearly a decade.

Throughout his career, Bill remained actively involved with the pharmacy community, supporting patients through collaboration with caregivers, healthcare providers throughout Winnipeg, including those in hospital environments, long-term care facilities, community and recovery programs, group homes, and residential settings to support medication management and communication between care teams.

After 52 years, just prior to Bill’s passing, Tache Pharmacy was sold. The Balacko family extends their best wishes to continue Tache’s legacy by passing the torch to it’s successor, Tache Health.

Although Bill never enjoyed retirement, he did that which he loved best; graciously serving others. This Eulogy would be incomplete without mentioning Bill’s exceptional “Samaritan” spirit in living steadfast with Christ throughout most of his adult life. In the genesis of the pharmacy Bill was often found doubling the lunchroom as a counselling center. It was Bill’s basic instinct to feel another’s pain. He could often be found counselling, supporting, and loving members of the community. Whether it was someone from the north, from the streets, or a business professional, primarily the disadvantaged, Bill’s tender heart through Christ was paramount. It is a testament of Christ working through Bill for each person to potentially have a relationship with God which may not otherwise have been available. Love and compassion for those in despair brought hope and healing to them.

Bill served on the Child Evangelism Board for many years. He and several other visionaries established the Crisis Pregnancy Center, now known as the Family Support Centre, who continue to care for the unborn to date. He also served on the Manitoba Pharmacy Medical Board for years.

Bill’s summer vacations were spent with his family at Fair Hills, MN. He could be seen studying and upgrading his yearly licensing or signing Christmas cards on the cabin porch, not to mention being observed at the golf course looking for golf balls while golfing, on a pontoon boat or sitting on a swing under a shaded tree. Christmas vacations were often spent in Maui with the family and friends where he would reflect on the year past and the year to come.

History, photography and great food were a valued part of Bill’s life. Hence, the numerous trips abroad with close friends and family! With his extensive worldview, Bill particularly enjoyed a good political or biblical discussion, puzzles, and playing chess or canasta with with loved ones.

The family is grateful to the Grace Hospital for Bill’s care. A special joy during his last months was the birth of his first grandchild,

Jacob Aaron Balacko. The family expresses their deep appreciation for your prayers and support and to all those who visited Bill in his last days. Most notably, appreciation is extended to family and friends who were there for Bill over the last four years, with special mention to Kelly Magura and Betty Schultz.

Bill, you were a true servant to the community!