Milan Balog

   It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Milan Balog on December 25, 2022 at the Auburn Heights Retirement Residence, Calgary, AB.  He was 92 years of age.

   Milan was born on August 22, 1930 in Sokol, Slovakia to Matthew and Maria Balog.  His early years were spent skiing and playing soccer until WWII rolled through his village in 1939.  After living through both a German and Soviet occupation, Milan (age 17) escaped Slovakia and eventually arrived in Canada.  In 1952, while working in the coal mines in Canmore, he accompanied a friend to a wedding in the Crowsnest Pass where he met the love of his life, Agnes, who he married on June 6, 1953 – the start of a sixty-four-year marriage.  Together they had three sons, Mark, Brent, and Dean whom they raised in the Crowsnest Pass with unwavering support and love.  In the Crowsnest, Milan continued his mining career, while concurrently starting a laundry/dry cleaning/car wash business. Milan then stopped the mine work to open a bulk fuel delivery business which he operated under several banners until he retired.  He was a huge community and church supporter, working on numerous councils, brought a Junior A hockey team to the Pass as co-owner, served on the local Chamber of Commerce, and was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus.  Milan taught his sons how to ski in the winter and to golf in the summer and was an avid curler.  In retirement, Milan and Agnes enjoyed many trips to Mexico, Florida, Arizona, California and Hawaii with friends and family and managed to work his way back to Slovakia in the 1990s to visit family.

   He is survived by his three sons, Mark Balog of Calgary, AB, Brent Balog and Dean Balog (Brenda) both of De Winton, AB; five grandchildren, Kiva, Megan, Erik, Anja and Trent; his sister Anna; his extended family as well as the numerous friends he made throughout his life.  Milan was predeceased by his wife, Agnes (May 29th, 2017) and his brother, John.

   A Memorial Mass will be held at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Parish (13126 – 21 Ave., Blairmore, AB) on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11:00am with Fr. Joseph Nagothu as Celebrant.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the South Health Campus (www.albertahealthservices.ca/shc.aspx), or the charity of your choice.  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555