Tribute

John Balzer, died peacefully in the morning of March 14th , 2024, at Menno Home in Abbotsford, BC at
the age of 87. We thank the staff at Menno Home for the loving care he received these past few months
and his church families at Central Heights MB and Clearbrook MB for their support and love.

John was born on July 21, 1936, in Eyebrow, Saskatchewan to Daniel and Sarah Balzer who were recent
immigrants from Russia. He was the second youngest of 8 children. A few years later the family
relocated to Vauxhall, Alberta. After attending Coaldale Bible School, John, his brother Dan with sister
Margaret moved to BC for work. It was during this time that he met a young lady named Bertha Loewen
who was in nurses training. After 3 long years of courtship while John impatiently waited for Bertha to
finish her training, they married on October 5, 1962.

In many ways their marriage was the ultimate adventure! Choosing to live and do ministry in places like
Ocean Falls, Terrace, Williams Lake, Elm Creek (MB), Courtney, and Armstrong and their travels all over
Canada and around the world. Their marriage also had an extra ingredient – grit. It not only made them
amazing parents to son Glenn, and daughters Sharon and Marilyn, but it also sustained them through
difficult financial times, the death of a daughter, complicated ministry moments and ultimately Bertha’s
passing

God then brought John his second love, Isabelle Cooper-Newall and they married on February 28, 2004.
They began a new journey filled with love, joy and grandchildren old and new. Referring to their new
joined family as Yours, Mine, Ours. With a mutual love of missions and travel, they adventured far and
wide across the globe. On February 11, 2022, Isabelle, after a short battle with cancer went to be with
Jesus.

Through everything John had a passion for people, particularly leading people to a deeper walk with
Jesus.  There wasn’t a room that he didn’t enter that he didn’t light up! His ability to make everyone
feel loved and cared for drew people in. His voice, presence, authenticity, humor and laughter was
contagious.

John’s passion, positive spirit and resilience through his own loss and heartache inspired and influenced
countless people in their walks of faith.  His passion to connect with others, whether it be family or
friends, was a highlight for many with his voice on the other end of the phone praising the Lord and
talking about better days ahead.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 42 years Bertha Balzer (Loewen); their infant daughter
Marilyn Rose; his second beloved wife of 18 years, Isabelle Balzer (Cooper-Newall), son-in-law Gordie
Newall; his parents, Daniel and Sarah Balzer; sisters Dora (John) , Mary and Verna (Peter), brothers
Walter (Marion), Jake (Esther) and Dan.

He is survived by his children, and grandchildren; Glenn (Rita) Balzer, Kyle Balzer, (Monica) their children
Jon and Joel; Quinten (Michaelya) Balzer and Sharon Balzer Pound and her children Lille, Rocco, Scarlett
and Hayven. Daughter-in-law; Joanne Newall and son Scott (Allysha), and their children Rowan and
Freya.

He leaves behind one sister and many nieces, nephews and their children.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory can be made to Mennonite Central Committee and just
like John lived his life, give of your time, talent and treasures and consider volunteering in your local
community.

Remember, our best days are still ahead!