Ronald Balch

Ronald "Ronnie" Balch, a Valentine baby born February 14, 1941 to John C. and Marion L. (Gerue) Balch. He made his crossing July 1, 2017 after a lengthy period of failing health. Those who love him give thanks that he is now at peace.

Ron was educated in Lyme and Orford, NH. In 1958-59 he served with the Vermont National Guard. On August 21, 1959, he and Barbara Evans were married in Orfordville, NH. They lived and raised their family in Lyme Center, NH.

Among those who will miss him unconditionally, are his wife Barbara of Lyme Center; his sons Mike, Doug (Sherman), and Kevin (Michelle) all of Lyme Center, daughter Kathy Boudreau (Raymond) of Chelmsford, MA, brother Bruce of Orford, NH and grandchildren Elizabeth Hall (Steve) of pike, NH, Sarah Balch of Lyme Center, NH, Sean and Piper Boudreau, and great grandchildren Arthur and Hudson Hall and Cameron Balch, newphew David Lacoss (Linda) of Plainfield, CT, Peter Marsh (Diane) of Lebanon, NH, Sean Marsh (Annelie) of Grantham, NH, and several grandnieces and grandnephew, cousins, as well as extensive extended family.

Ron was employed by Dartmouth College as Mountain Manager of Dartmouth Skiway for 45 years. Few know that Ron was instrumental in extending free skiing to any student from Lyme even up through college age, not just the younger kids who always looked forward to seeing him, knew him by name, as he knew each of them as well.

Ron was an avid woodsman, hunter, and fisherman. He taught his children and grandchildren to enjoy their natural surroundings, spending countless hours outdoors with them as he guided them to safely hunt, fish, and preserve our natural resources. He was an enthusiastic softball fan and was a founding member of the Lyme Green Men's Softball Team. He was instrumental in the construction of Chase Beach and Memorial Field in memory of John F. Balch at Chase Field in Lyme.

Recent years found him in his boat during spring and summer almost every weekend, fishing the Third Connecticut Lake. Ronnie's "happy place" was his camp, Little House On The Perry on the banks of Perry Stream in Pittsburg, NH. Family and friends joined him there often for vacations and weekend retreats.

Ron's greatest delight was being known as "Bumpa" to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. How his eyes would twinkle when he heard the kids call out to their "Bumpa!" They will long remember his gentle hands as he "stole" a nose.
Ron was predeceased by his father John, his infant brother Gordon, his brother Johnny Pat, and his sister Janet. His mother Marion passed mere hours before him.

"… So, when you walk the wood where once we walked together
And scan in vain the dappled bank beside you for my shadow,
Or pause where we always did upon the hill to gaze across the land,
And spotting something, reach by habit for my hand,
And finding none, feel sorrow start to steal upon you,
Be still.
Close your eyes.
Breathe.
Listen for my footfall in your heart.
I am not gone but merely walk within you"

Excerpt from "Walk Within You" A poem by Nicholas Evans in his book The Smoke Jumper

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the professional and personable folks of the VISITING NURSE and HOSPICE for VERMONT and NEW HAMPSHIRE and everyone at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center who for so many years were always wonderful and caring. Special thanks to those of you who were even closer to Ron and showed extra kindness and friendship.

As Ron's request, there will be no formal services.

The Cremation Society of NH is handling Ron's final arrangements.

Those who wish to honor Ron's memory may donate to the
Memorial Field in Memory of John F. Balch at Chase Field Lyme, NH
In care of
Patty Jenks
P.O. Box 342
Lyme, NH
03768