We Remember
BALSER, David
December 9, 1944 — January 4, 2021
David Mitchell Balser of West Kelowna, B.C. following a brief illness of cancer, passed onward to his heavenly reward on January 4, 2021. Survived by his loving and faithful partner in life Victoria, encompassing 51 years of a strong marriage. David is survived by his brother Keith of Oshawa, Ontario. David was predeceased by his other siblings Joseph, Dwight, Roberta. He was also predeceased by his only two children, daughter Trina Vicky Marie (at age 10) and Son Steven David (at age 43). He is also survived by his loving daughter-in-law Katherine Balser-Persic and his only and precious grandchild Isabella, a brilliant star in David’s later life. From austere beginnings, David succeeded in life, with the solid support of Vicky, gaining significance in his professional career. He began with the Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Military and subsequently with three ministries within the Government Of Canada, with particular achievement with the Department of Foreign Affairs International Trade in Ottawa. Both personally and with the government, he travelled in service for his beloved Canada with official diplomatic status to and worked temporarily in 50 countries, several on multiple occasions. He had great admiration for his work colleagues and wished to hereby acknowledge their significant collaboration, friendship and generous assistance over his 40 work years. In retirement, he gained and enjoyed close friendships within the greater Okanagan Valley, particularly with the wider Persic family and with former and current neighbours in West Kelowna. Condolences and well wishes may be sent to Vicky at dbalser@shaw.ca or Katherine at katherinebalser@gmail.com. Arrangements for cremation has been entrusted to Springfield Funeral Home
A Celebration of Life for David will be held on a future date.
It is with sadness I see of David’s passing. It has been many years since we served together in North Bay. I recall many fond memories of my 1964 Ford car being borrowed by David to sport Vickie about the countryside on weekends accompanied by their good friends. Our most sincere condolences to the family, especially Vickie in this sad time. May the fond memories of the years ease your pain and you find comfort in the realization his suffering is now at an end. May he Rest In Peace. He will not be forgotten.
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I’m glad we had a chance to visit a few years ago. Our sincere condolences. Rosey and Sally
Dear Vicky, Katherine, and Isabella
Having lived next door to David and Vicky for many enjoyable years, and becoming close friends, we want to express our deepest sadness and condolences to all of you and in particular, Vicky, at our loss of David. He was truly beloved and appreciated by all of his neighbours and friends. We will all miss not only his large stature but also his friendly welcoming personality, his kindness, understanding, encouragement, and knowledge.
We know that you have been through a very difficult last few months during David’s illness, but be assured he is now at rest, without pain, and will always be with us.
Earl & Jacquie Simons
Ps: some of our favorite pictures are attached:
Photo of David and Vicky
Photo of David and Vicky Hiking
Photo of David, Vicky, and Isabella
Photo of David
Photo of David and Isabella
My sympathy to his family, I used to work in Personnel Security Division while he was a Regional Security Officer, I worked for Foreign Affairs from 1973 to 1993 and move to another department after and retired in 2007!
My heartfelt condolences to the family. I worked with David in the early 80’s when he was a Regional Security Officer with DFAIT. David was a pleasure to work with, dedicated and hard-working.
Dear Vicky, Katherine, & Isabella. We are sad to hear of our dear friend David’s passing. Our hearts go out to you. We will miss his wonderful sense of humour especially those tall – short jokes. Love Don & Mardele
Dearest Vicky and Fanily,
With a heavy heart I sent my deepest condolences to you all. Spending time with David and Vicky was extraordinary. David was such a positive soul. I will miss out chats on email. Carlsbad California, USA will miss him and his wonderful outlook on life and his country.
The Bird of Paradise Penthouse will always be there for you a d your family. After the pandemic let’s get together.
Love and Hugs!!
Respectfully,
Rae Relatores and Elissa Stone
E & C Stone Properties LLC
Vicky and family. My heart is breaking for you at this difficult time in your lives. Mitch will always be remembered as our cousin that had so much compassion for everyone he came in contact with. Mitch is now one of Gods angels and with his 2 children. May you find comfort in knowing he was loved beyond belief by Ray and Helen and kids. If you get a chance please message me. I went through the same loss 10 months ago. . RIP our fantastic cousin….🥰
We would like to pass along our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Vicky, Isabella, and Katherine at this very sad time. David and Vicky welcomed us wholeheartedly to the neighbourhood 13 1/2 years ago and remained wonderful neighbours, but also became good friends over the years. They also visited us several times at our US home and we spent a memorable few days with them in Carlsbad, California last February. We will be forever grateful for our neighbour and friend David.
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Vicky Isabella and Katherine . We where neighbours for many years and had a great time together. We will miss David’s Humor great smile kindness and being a great friend.
Reinhard and sieglinde
Sincere condolences to all of David’s family and friends. Please pass along my condolences to Dayid’s brother Keith. .
My deepest sympathy to the Balser family. I had the pleasure at many Embassies around the world to have worked with David as our regional security officer. He was truly dedicated to providing the best advice and assistance to our personnel overseas. His dedication and interest in the safety of Canadian personnel overseas was greatly appreciated by all when he visited us around the world.
May he rest in peace.