Robert (Bob) Prosper Balcaen passed away peacefully on February 19th, 2024, after a very brief illness. Bob was born January 6th, 1941, at Grace Hospital in Vancouver. He was predeceased by his parents, Rose and Buster (Prosper) Balcaen, granddaughter Chantelle Robinson, and his life-long friend Darryl Pleasants. He is survived by his wife of almost 63 years Hazel, children Ward, Lee, Corrine, Margaret Robinson (Rodney), Lisette Doucette (Martin), grandchildren John and Diana Balcaen, Josie and Kim Robinson, Charlotte and Natasha Dickerson, Oscar Doucette and great-grandson Macklan, brothers Bill (Sharon), Keith, Maurice (Gail) and Danny (Diane), sisters Bonnie Siddals (Larry) and Brenda Bond (Rick), cousin David, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob grew upin McBride, B.C., where his parents had returned to after World War II. After graduating from high school, he worked briefly as a firefighter in Prince George before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he served as a radar technician and electronics instructor during the Cold War. While in the Air Force, Bob was posted in Quebec, Mississippi, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, but it was during basic training in St. Jean, Quebec, where Bob met Hazel, the love of his life. They married while stationed in CFB Clinton, in a Quonset hut used as a Catholic Church on base. After nine years in the Air Force, they returned to McBride to raise their family.
In 1968, Bob started his electronics business from their front porch and in 1969, he opened Balcaen Electronics next door to Balcaen Clothiers inside Gieger’s Movie Theatre. He later built a storefront at 411 Main Street, which became the family’s cornerstone as Hazel and the children worked there too. Eventually, Balcaen Electronics sold appliances to almost every family in McBride. With attention to detail, Bob also stocked every part imaginable. His forward thinking was instrumental in bringing the first television signal to the Robson Valley in the 1970s.
An extremely proud resident of McBride, Bob did whatever he could to make it a better place for everyone. Bob welcomed anyone who walked into his life, accepting each person at face value. Everyone got the “benefit of the doubt” that they were honest and sincere. He put everyone at ease, and always asked, “How can I help?” He became a role model to numerous relatives, friends and “extra children”, even a few tradespeople. Bob was always available to provide counsel and advice, he loved this Valley and everyone in it.
Bob served several terms as alderman, as well as councilor on the Regional District of Fraser Fort George. He proudly served the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #75 for 56 years, often acting as president, vice-president, director and bingo caller! Bob found many ways to ensure that the next generation would have strong memories of the Valley, such as donating his vans for Pioneer days, school sports events and theatre productions, and speaking at schools on Remembrance Day.
His booming voice announced almost every event in McBride, whether driving through the community announcing pancake breakfasts for Pioneer Days, MCing skating events, or calling the Legion bingo from his Grumman whenCOVID-19 took bingo to the streets.
One of Bob’s many passions included traveling in the motorhome with Hazel, visiting friends and family throughout Western Canada, and also sitting by the fire in his shop discussing current events, “bullshitting” the night away telling stories and jokes.
Bob was highly independent and self-reliant and driven by a well-honed moral compass. He lived life on his own terms. His priorities were clear: family and community. He was tremendously proud of his family, and often sang the praises of his wife, children and grandchildren. Bob made sure no child or grandchild ever went without. For the past ten years, Bob devoted himself to caring for Hazel as she adjusted to life with health challenges. Bob accepted it all, ensuring he did all that he could to help those he loved.
These words fall short in describing the profound loss felt by family and many friends. Flowers are respectfully declined. However, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #75 or the McBride and District Hospital Auxiliary in Bob’s honour are greatly appreciated.
The Family expresses deep gratitude for the compassion, kindness and professional care Bob received during his brief stay at McBride Hospital. We are forever grateful.
The Balcaen family would like to thank their many friends and neighbours who checked in on Bob and Hazel during their stays in hospital and were there for us on many fronts. Thank you to Dennis and Irene Rejman, Donna Perkins and Andy Werner for supporting us with the gift of time, meals, goodies, kindness and generosity through both our parents’ illnesses.
We would also like to thank those who helped Bob and Hazel live safely and comfortably in their home. Thank you Olivia Vizza, Valerie Watson, Andy Carr, Cindy Kelly, as well as Shayne, Sarah and Parker McCrea.
A McBride community barbecue will be held as a celebration of Bob’s life on May 18th, 2024, at a location to be announced at a later date.
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