1930 – 2025
Harold passed away peacefully on New Year’s Eve after many challenging years with Parkinson’s and prostate cancer. A celebration for his 95th birthday was held in May.
Harold grew up in Cloverdale, Surrey on the family farm then worked in refrigeration repair. He married Agnes Rothe, an elementary school teacher, in 1954 and they had three children, each a year apart. They expanded their house in Newton with an addition then it was raised. He bought into a partnership at Andy’s Bakery delivering rye bread for 20 years then owned the Newton Shoe Shop with his brother Bruno.
In 1984 Agnes experienced balance issues and was diagnosed with Creutzfeld Jacob disease. After almost two years in a coma she died. Harold was consoled by Diana Smith whom he married in 1986 and they moved to Abbotsford. For 28 happy retirement years they enjoyed travels overseas, cruises and many RV adventures. After a move to Deroche they later enjoyed their lifestyle at Chartwell Cedarbrooke in Mission. Harold was again widowed in 2015.
Harold’s life was shaped by his commitment to the Lutheran church where he served numerous roles including “Labourers for Christ” building churches.
His part time retirement job, which lasted 19 years, was driving the limo for Henderson’s Funeral home in Abbotsford.
Harold sang in church choirs, Ladner Glee Club and Abbotsford Male Chorus. With the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir he performed at Royal Albert Hall in London, England.
Harold was predeceased by brothers Peter, Bruno and Edward, first wife Agnes, second wife Diana, stepchildren Dale, David and Marilyn.
Family that will miss him are sons Harvey Balback (Hilda), Mark Balback (Cammy), daughter Julie Howell (Rick), stepchildren Don Smith (Diana) and Donna Keats (Herman), sister-in-law Rosie Sieg and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
With much gratitude we thank all of the caring staff at Mission Health, Fraser Health and Agecare Harmony Court where he spent his last 2 1/2 years.
Sing a song, play a game of cribbage, tell a corny joke or raise a glass to remember Harold.
A service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3845 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford, B.C. on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. following an interment at Valley View Memorial Gardens in Surrey.