Kenneth Raymond Balcom

Kenneth Raymond Balcom passed away May 13, 2025 surrounded by the love and comfort of his family by his side. Ken was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend whose life was marked by his love for family, adventure, humor and deep sense of hard work.

He was born January 15, 1951 to Howard and Betty (Loomis) Balcom in Detroit Michigan. He grew up with two siblings, an older brother and a younger sister. Ken graduated from the last graduating class at Lowrey High School in Dearborn, MI, after which he proudly served in the United States Navy, an experience that shaped much of his life and instilled in him a sense of discipline and service to others. After his military service he went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University, continuing to pursue his passion for learning and knowledge throughout his life.

On May 5, 1973 Ken married the love of his life, Kathi, and they shared a beautiful and lasting marriage for over five decades. Their love and partnership were the foundation for their family. They had two children, Kimberly and Keith. Ken’s greatest joy was time spent with his family. His love for his son knew no bounds, they were father and son, business partners and best friends. It would be difficult to find a father in this world that loved his son more. And as for his little girl, even death can’t break that bond. He loved and supported his son in law, Erik, and daughter in law, Yon, as if they were his own.

He was a dedicated provider and a proud, business owner of varying successful ventures over the years, including New England Building and Balcom/Guido Associates. He instilled in his children hard work, the value of a dollar and respect. He was a constant teacher of business, having advice or opinions for anyone who asked.

Ken’s love for travel took him many places over the years, including his most cherished trips to Connecticut and Florida where he enjoyed extended family as well as the beauty and warmth of those states. His passion for history and lighthouses was another defining characteristic often seeking out scenic landmarks wherever his travel took him. He also spent countless happy hours over the years at his cottage in Hillsdale, then his condo in Port Huron and later in life his condo on Sanibel Island in Florida, always inviting family and friends along.

Ken also had a lifelong love for all things baseball, especially the Detroit Tigers. He enjoyed watching a game on television or attending a game at the ballpark with his family. As a hobby he even owned a baseball card shop for a short time. He appreciated many different sports and watched as often as he could including U of M and Detroit Lions football, Red Wings Hockey and even Nascar.

An avid reader and music lover, Ken would lose himself in a good book, keep up with current events reading any newspaper or sing along to one of his favorite songs. But it was the open road and his ease of driving that truly brought him freedom. Whether it was on his own or with his family he loved the backroads, an early Sunday morning drive, an out-of-the-way roadside fruit stand always in his pick-up truck, arm hanging out the window, good music playing, sunglasses on.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents and his loving in-laws Leo and Ramona Newinsky.

He is survived by his devoted wife Kathi; his children Kimberly (Erik) Ries, and Keith (Yon) Balcom; his siblings David (Jan) Balcom, Barbara (Terry) Hackney; his brothers in-law Michael (Laura) Newinsky, Steven (Dana) Newinsky.

Ken’s warmth, humor and steadfast presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on through his family, his spirit will remain in the songs he loved, the places he explored and the moments we shared.

At Ken’s request there will be no formal public services. He will be cremated and laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly Michigan.

Dear Dad,

I am heartbroken that I had to write your obituary. I hope I made you proud, that thought will stay with me every day—through every decision, every challenge, every little victory. Even now, with you gone, I will still look for your approval in the quiet moments, still imagine what you’d say.

Losing you took a piece of my heart. There’s an emptiness that will never go away—just a space where your voice, your laugh, your presence used to be. I will miss you every single day.

I will carry you with me in my choices, in my strength, and in my love. You helped shape who I am, and I’ll never stop trying to live in a way that would make you proud.

I love you, always and forever.

Your Little Girl