For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar 

BALCH, Kenneth James (Ken) - Peacefully at London Health Sciences Centre, University Campus, surrounded by his family on Friday, July 20, 2001, Kenneth James Balch of London, Veteran of WWII, Canadian Navy aboard the Minesweeper "Minas" - in his 88th year. Ken was co-founder of B.K. & B Truck Bodies Limited, London; he started the tenants gardens at 695 Proudfoot Lane Apartments and started the 695 Proudfoot Seniors Social Club. Beloved husband of Margaret (Peg) Balch and the late Dorothy Louisa Balch (1978). Dear father of Joan Balch (Toronto), Jim Balch and his late wife Barbara, Mary Kienapple and her husband Bill, Diane Jeffrey and her husband Peter, all of London, Greg Balch and Gillian Carruthers of Strathroy and step-daughter Pamela Stephenson and her husband Rob of London. Predeceased by brother John Balch, loving brother of Margaret (Peg) Koenig and her late husband Harold, Donald Balch and his wife Shirley, Arthur Balch and his wife Helen, and sister-in-law Mildred Balch (Buss). Sadly missed by 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held in the Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, on Monday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. where the funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, July 24, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. Canon Sid Lupton officiating. Interment Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Charitable donations to the London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital Campus Dialysis Unit to to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Citation for Mentioned in Despatches:

BALCH, Kenneth James, Engine Room Artificer Third Class, V37499, RCNVR - Awarded as per Canada Gazette of 20 January 1945 and the London Gazette of 26 December 1944.

For gallantry, skill, determination and undaunted devotion to duty during the landing of Allied Forces on the coast of Normandy."

Other than his time in the RCNVR during WWII, Ken spent his entire life in London, ON.  Before the war, he worked for CNR carshops in London, ON as a pipe fitter. He served in HMCS Minas, a minesweeper, and was onboard her during her minesweeping  operations sweeping off Normandy for the invasion fleet. After being demobilized at the end of the war Ken transferred to the RCN(R) and was the CPO GI at HMCS Prevost, London, ON.  Ken was awarded the 1939-45 Star, the Atlantic Star with France and Germany Bar, the CVSM with bar, the 1939-45 War Medal and Mentioned in Despatches. On return to civilian life, Ken and his brother-in-law started up a truck body business (repair and build) in London, ON called B.K. & B Truck Bodies Ltd where Ken worked till he retired.

Awards and Decorations: The 1939-45 Star, the Atlantic Star with France and Germany bar, the CVSM with clasp, the War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D.