Obituary of Richard Van Balkom
Suddenly on August 19, 2021, at Brampton Civic Hospital, Richard John Van Balkom passed away. At his side was his special friend, Heather Rivers and his stepdaughter Jamine Storey.
Proud stepfather of Jarret Storey (Rebecca) of Shallow Lake, Maitland Storey (Melanie) of Wiarton, Jamine Rainey (Josh) of Owen Sound and Christian Burgener of Erin. Cherished brother of Anne Paterson (Jay) of Balmy Beach, Josie Moore of Owen Sound and Ted Van Balkom (Cathy) of Hamilton. Dear Opa of Aydn, Bryce, Rylan and Torin. Rick also leaves behind nieces, nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, Albert and Antonia Van Balkom and his brother-in-law, Brian Moore.
For over ten years Rick was a volunteer fire fighter first with Sauble Beach Fire Department and then with Wiarton Fire Department. It was Rick’s passion for fire fighting that inspired his two stepsons and his nephew to become fire fighters as well. Rick finished his service as a firefighter when he became an organ donor and donated a large portion of his liver to someone who desperately needed a transplant. Rick strongly believed everyone should become an organ donor and even had as his face book homepage the message ‘Recycle Yourself’.
Cremation has taken place. A public visitation will be held at the Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, 250 14th Street West, Owen Sound, Ontario (519) 376-7492 on Monday from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. A private memorial service to celebrate Rick’s life will be held on Monday, August 30, 2021. Although it is private, friends are welcome to view the service via livestream on the funeral home website (woodfuneralhome.ca) at 2:00 p.m. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Owen Sound.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the charity of your choice or to UHN Foundation at support.tgwhf.ca.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Richard’s online memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca
1966 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Richard
Van Balkom 1966 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Owen Sound, Province: Ontario