It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Mike Balanko on December 22 at George Derby Center in Burnaby. He was predeceased by his wife, Helen Balanko in 2005. He is survived by his three children, Michael, Anita, and John, and his six grandchildren, Kelsey, Lauren, Jordan, Alex, Desiree, and Sam. He was a dedicated and loving father and grandfather, attending school and sports functions at every opportunity. Born in Hamlin, Alberta, Mike moved to Vancouver with his family in 1937 where he attended Britannia Secondary. In 1942, Mike joined the RCAF and earned his navigator’s wings; he was sent overseas in 1944. After the war, Mike attended UBC from 1946-49, then moved to Portland where he met and married Helen while attending the University of Oregon Dental School, graduating with his DMD in 1953. He then returned to Vancouver and joined a private dental practice; this was the beginning of his long and illustrious dental career. He was a part-time clinical instructor in restorative and operative dentistry at UBC for over 20 years. He was involved in organizing the BC chapter of the Academy of General Dentistry, and was one of the first Presidents for several years. He was the National Director for Western Canada AGD for 8 years and regional Vice President for 3 years. He was involved with several committees for the BC College Annual Convention over many years, serving as Registration, Scientific, and General Chairman. Mike was also a director of the BC Dental Association in the early 1960’s. He was an examiner for both BC and National Dental Boards, and acted as Chief National Examiner for several years. Study clubs included Vancouver Society of Restorative Dentistry and Vancouver Ferrier Gold Foil. In 1989, Mike went to the Univ. of Manitoba for 3 years as Department Head of Operative Dentistry, leading several projects on composite research; he published several scientific papers during this time. Mike was a lifelong member of the Canadian Dental Association, American Academy of Gold Foil Operations, American Academy of Operative Dentistry and served as President of CAP before amalgamation with CARD. After retiring from dental practice, he did consulting (or “insulting,” as he called it) work with Bisco Canada and K&K Labs. Mike was passionate about fishing, hockey and baseball, playing hockey into his late 70’s.
Thank you to all the wonderful staff at George Derby. Mike will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of choice.