Archie James Balmer passed away at Burnaby, BC on June 27th, 2011 at 95 years of age. He was born on February 21st, 1916 in Benito, Manitoba.
Archie made his career as a soldier with the Canadian Army and after his retirement was a public servant with Armed Service of Canada. He was involved with the Canadian Militia from 1933 to 1941, the Canadian Army from 1941 – 1968 (post WWII R.C.E.M.E). He retired with the rank of Master Warrant Officer (WO2).
Archie was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 280, Vedder Crossing. He won many medals and awards including 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp, War Medal 1939-45, Korea Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal for Korea, UN Service Medal (Korea), UN Emergency Force Medal, Efficiency Medal and the Canadian Forces Decoration. His service included time in England and Europe 1943-45, Ft. Lewis, Washington and Korea 1950-52, Member of Advance Party of the first UN Peace Keeping Force in the Middle East 1956-57.
Archie also enjoyed gardening, fishing, and hunting. He was a heavy-duty mechanic, skilled carpenter, wood worker, metal worker (welding and machining).
Archie will be remembered by his children Jim, Betty, and Kim, grandchildren Janis and Alina, great-grandchildren Leandra, Marissa, and Spencer. Predeceased by his wife Audrey Elizabeth Balmer, brothers and sisters George, John, Anne, Jean, Helen, Isabel, and Margaret, and parents Preston and Betsy Balmer.
The family would like to thank the people at George Derby Centre for their kind and thoughtful care over the last 4 years.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 9th, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Henderson’s Funeral Home, 45901 Victoria Avenue, Chilliwack. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the George Derby Centre, 7550 Cumberland Street, Burnaby, BC, V3N 3X5. Attention: Administration Office. www.georgederbycentre.ca
Online condolences can be left at www.hendersonsfunerals.com