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Zenon (Noni) BALO

August 6, 2004

In the early morning of Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, Zenon (Noni) Balo peacefully passed into the presence of His Lord.

He leaves behind his loving wife Fe of 33 years, four sisters, nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers

Noni started his education in a private school in the Philippines, entered the Seminary for the priesthood but did not pursue it. He finished his Bachelor of Education Degree and was hired-as a teacher by the Newfoundland Government in 1968 and taught at St. Joseph's in Bay de Verde for one year. The next year he taught in Placentia. He moved to Corner Brook in 1970 and taught sciences and physical education.

Volleyball was his passion; He formed the Astec Volleyball Club. They won the Atlantic Championship for 4 years. Noni was inducted to the Newfoundland Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2000. While in Corner Brook Noni became very involved with community work. He joined the Rotary Club in 1989, he was president of the Western Nfld. Cancer Society and he taught recreational therapy to seniors. He was invited to sing for weddings and other social functions being a trained tenor. He was a youth counsellor for drug and alcohol.

In 1984 Noni was diagnosed with chronic lymphocetic leukemia. He retired from teaching in 1990 due to the illness and moved to Chilliwack, B.C. in 1993.

He continued his involvement with community work; joining the Chilliwack Rotary Club, the Knights of Columbus (Henry Maurice Assembly), board member of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters, board member of the Chilliwack Academy of Music, St. Mary's liaison to the Chilliwack Ministerial Association, volunteer Pastoral Care Giver, Eucharistic Minister for St. Mary's, was a member of Barbershop Chorus, member of the Chilliwack Symphony, Vice-President of the Rotary International Travel Hosting representing Western Canada and the USA and Chairperson Rotary International Community Services helping third world countries.

Noni and Fe started a supplemental funding for sick children in the Philippines. They also started a supplemental funding program for local Chilliwack patients in need. Noni was a recipient of The Rotary International Paul Harris Fellowship award and a Chilliwack Community Services award.

His mission in life was to be grateful, live life to its fullest, have a conscious relationship with God, make full use of the gifts God had given him. Always took a person as a unique individual.

Prayers will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, Aug. 13th, 2004 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 8909 Mary St., Chilliwack, B.C. Funeral Mass Saturday, Aug. 14th, 10:00 a.m.. at St. Mary's. Fr. Gary Gordon celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Rotary Club of Chilliwack 'Patients in Need Fund', Box 28, Chilliwack, B.C. V2P 6H7. McLean's Funeral Services in care of arrangements.



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