Linda Loved Clowns. They were symbols of joy, happiness, laughter. She would have made a GREAT
CLOWN, but she was much too shy. So, she loved them, and all they stood for.
Linda Loved BEARS. The house is full of BEARS, not just any, but “BEARFOOT BEARS” created by
a bear master sculptor from Whitefish, Montana. She was very discriminating in her love for BEARS.
Linda Loved Her Arizona. The springtime wildflower bloom, the smell of the wet desert after a rain,
the mountain vistas, the expanse of the valleys, the brilliant sunrise and the multi-hued sunsets.
Linda loved her Michigan, too. The summers in the Northwoods, the cool refreshing splash in
Higgins Lake; being out in the boat on a summer’s day; Macinac Island; the remoteness of the UP.
Linda Loved Her FAMILY. Her Jim: lover, partner, and Best Friend for 50 years; her dear son
Martin, Her darling, loving daughter Angela, and their mates: Wonderful and kind Elisabeth; strong
and loving Bob; and her “Furbabies”: Kahlua & JB.
Linda Loved her birth family: Dad Don, Mother Norma, Sister Cheryl, Brother Don and their
families: The Staffords and Galloways of Michigan.
And the Balks: Luella and Earl (who everyone knew as ”Jim”). Wise brother Roger, and amazingly
talented Pat; their Hannah, Malcolm, Wulfe & families. It will be The Montreal Balk clan who will
carry on the name.
Linda loved her Medical career family from Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Maricopa Medical Center
and John C Lincoln Hospital. Like true family members, they taught, were colleagues and frustrated
her at times.
Linda Loved Her Sun City. She wanted to be a part of the community since she was eligible. She
loved her neighbors on Desert Rock Drive. And her Special friends: “First friend” Lisa, and most
recent “BFF”, Gwen.
Linda loved her Sports on TV: The Spartans, always; The frustrating Cardinals, The Warriors The
Coyotes, and most of all USA Women’s Soccer, and the Olympics.
Linda loved her Players Theater. It was a “late in life discovery”. The actors, the Singers, Dancers,
the Jugglers and the Clowns. Tho’ she would never be in the spotlight, she found the BEST,
friendliest, most genuine people on the planet, and they cared for her greatly.
Linda loved her GOD. She didn’t need a preacher or a scripture to remind her of God’s love. She
carried it with her every day of her life; and will until the end of time. Our spirits are entwined
forever.
Linda loved, as she lived. Now she has gone. But her love lives on. Her fondest wish is for the LOVE
to live on. Please carry her love with you: Today, and every day. I promise that I will.
Today, We said goodbye to a wife, mother, sister, friend.
If you weren’t lucky enough to know her in life, let me tell you about her in
death. She was shy and self-conscious, unassuming and uncomfortable with the
spotlight. She was fiercely loyal and protective; a champion of others and a really
loud cheerleader. She cared more about the well being of others than she did about
herself. She was hilarious and feisty and loved to flip you the bird. Her laugh was
contagious and her smile was gorgeous, but we could rarely capture her smile in
photos (seriously how does that happen!?). Despite her desire to remain in the
background quietly supporting others, her light shone so bright it was as if a
spotlight was on her. Her heart was pure as were her intentions. She always told you
she loved you and was never afraid to speak the truth. We texted good morning to
each other every single day, and always told each other “I love you more”. She was my
mother, my rock and my best friend. I have a hole in my heart which will never be
filled; a scar on my soul I’m proud to bear. She raised me to be kind, gentle, fierce
and to use humor even in ugly situations. She believed in me, she was proud of me
and she loved me. Even when she knew she was dying and was often uncomfortable,
she was still worrying about others. I have her smile, her heart and her passion to
care for others. She always said, “I never told you life would be fair”, and it certainly
wasn’t when it came to losing her.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18