LOUIS WILLIAM BALOG, formerly of Milk River, beloved husband of the late Irene Balog passed away peacefully at the Edith Cavell Care Center on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at the age of 84 years.

Louis's dedicated patriarch role in the Balog family will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his 5 children Robert (Kim), Gladys (Howard), William (Lisa), Darwin (Laura), and Maureen. Louis is also survived by 12 grandchildren Shandi, Amber, Louis, Ashley, RJ, Melanie, Cole, Whitney, Blair, Brad, Darla, Carmen; and great-grandchild, Tyreik. Louis was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Irene in 2003, by his parents Steve and Annie, brothers Steve, Joe, and sister Annie.

Born and raised in Milk River, Louis married Irene Catherine Lengyel in 1949. They cherished building their life together in the Milk River Community, living on their farm and ranch, and raising their family. Louis truly loved his family and grandchildren, he treasured the time he spent with them, taking great pride and joy as a father and grandfather in guiding and supporting them. His happiest moments were those dedicated to caring for and rewarding his loved ones.

Louis loved the farm and ranch way of life; he especially loved raising cattle and grain, and being a steward of the land. He took pride in serving multiple terms on the Directors Board of the Southern Alberta Cattle Breeders and Southern Alberta Hereford Association. He had a keen eye and amazing intuitive capabilities both in the Purebred and Commercial Cattle Sectors, awarding him much success in cattle and seed-stock production and also in the show-ring. Louis was an avid sports enthusiast, actively involved in fishing, hunting, baseball, bowling, curling - and he loved to grace the dance floor with his wife Irene. In his younger life he spent many years on horseback - coyote hunting with his prized greyhounds.

Louis was also a very active volunteer member of the Milk River Community for many years through the Elks Organization, Knights of Columbus and Milk River Bonanza Days. He loved everything about the Milk River Community and was proud to call it his life-long home.

Louis was a caring and generous husband, father and grandfather whose loving personality and humorous charm will be treasured forever by his family. Dad/Grandpa leaves behind a legacy of fond memories, and a family who dearly loves and will miss him.

A very special thank you to Dr. S.G. Crawford, St. Therese Villa, Chinook Regional Hospital 4B and 4C, and Edith Cavell Care Center for their compassion and care of our dear father and grandfather.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation, please donate to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 - 19th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 1W5. in memory of Louis Balog.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:30PM on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 321 Main Street, Milk River, Alberta.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00AM on Friday, May 28, 2010 at ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 321 Main Street, Milk River, Alberta, with Father Joe Kalathilparambil, celebrant. Interment will take place in the Milk River Cemetery.