MR. STEVE J. BALOG of Milk River, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Helen Balog, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at the Milk River Health Centre on February 1st, 2010 at the age of 92.

Steve was born in Hardieville on June 25, 1917 the oldest son of Steve Sr. and Annie Balog. As a young child, Steve moved a number of times spending some time in Saskatchewan and finally settling south of Milk River in the 1-17 district.

He met his future wife at the 1-17 Grape Dance and they were married Dec7, 1939. They settled in the 1-17 area and began farming and ranching. To supplement their agricultural income, a lifelong passion of coyote hunting with greyhounds was born. He took pride in the greyhounds he raised and trained. They farmed in this area until retiring to Milk River in 1982. After moving to Milk River he found he had time to spend volunteering in the community. His belief was that you get the kind of community you deserve, and he always wanted a very active one. He volunteered as a school board rep, an agricultural society member, where he served as secretary/treasurer for years and was Parade Marshall for Milk River Bonanza Days for 30 years. In recognition of his commitment to the community he received a Governor General medal as acknowledgement. He enjoyed his membership in various cattle organizations and was proud to have been inducted into the Alberta Hereford Association Hall of Fame. He loved to see the youth of the community develop and excel, and was active in the organization of the 4-H beef club, and loved to cheer on our local baseball and basketball players through many generational roster changes.

Steve lived to see many changes in his community. He witnessed change such as rural electrification, telephone service and natural gas delivery, and as one of the leaders in the 1-17 area tried to ensure that his community developed with those around him.

Steve is survived by his daughter Emma (Robert) Hulit of Coutts, and two sons, Steven (Roberta) Balog of Calgary, and Kenneth (Nora) Balog of Milk River, and daughter-in-law Bev Balog of Milk River. He is also survived by one brother, Louis Balog of Lethbridge. Also left to mourn his passing are 12 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased in July, 2009, by his loving wife of 69 years, Helen, and his son Gordon, his daughter-in-law Jean, his parents Steve Sr. and Annie, his sister Annie and brother Joe.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7 pm on Friday, Feb. 5th, 2010 at ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Main Street North, Milk River, Alberta.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Saturday, Feb. 6th, 2010 at ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Milk River, Alberta, with Father Joe Kalathilparambil, celebrant.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Prairie Rose Lodge Auxiliary, Box 473, Milk River, AB. T0K 1M0.