Donald Harvey Balch

Donald Harvey Balch, 68, of Windsor, VT, passed peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on December 24, 2014.

He was born in Rutland, VT on May 2, 1946, the son of Harvey and Edna Balch. He grew up on a farm in Brownsville the youngest of seven children.

Donnie graduated from Windsor High School, Class of 1964, where he was an accomplished athlete at track and field and basketball. Soon after high school, he enlisted as a Navy Seabee and served in the Vietnam War during 1966 and 1967. He left for the Vietnam War on December 10th, 1966, on the same day as his older brother, George.

Donnie worked as a Brick and Stone Mason for most of his adult life. He became very accomplished at his trade with a rare ability to work quickly but with a high degree of quality. He was never afraid of hard work and was always willing to lend a hand to a friend. He was active in volunteer efforts, including spearheading efforts to build a large block storage facility for the Windsor High School baseball team in 1994, for which he received a Gold Card entitling him to lifetime free admission to Windsor Athletics. He also took great pleasure in helping both of his children with remodeling projects at their homes.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, telling a dirty joke, scratch tickets, and Windsor High School sports. His family was very important to him and he would spend a considerable portion of his free time visiting relatives. He was a born extrovert who never met a stranger. He was a member of the American Legion Post #25 as well as the VFW.

Survivors include his wife, Becky Balch of Windsor, VT; his daughter, Katrina Hill, of Brownsville, VT; his son, Greg Balch, of Hartland, VT; his sister, Katherine Blanchard, of Enfield, NH; his brother, George Balch, of Raeford, NC; his sister, Blythe (Bea) Shockley of Nashville, TN; his grandsons, Jeffrey Danyew and Ethan Hill of Brownsville, VT; his granddaughter, Torey Hill of Brownsville, VT; grandson, Seth Balch of Hartland, VT; granddaughters, Chloe, Sadie, and Lucy Balch of Hartland, VT. He also leaves many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, a son Jeffrey Balch, a brother Ivan Balch, and sisters Joyce Harlow and Abby Slocum.

Visiting hours will be held at the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor, VT on Tuesday December 30th from 6-8PM.

Contributions in his memory may be made in support of Windsor Athletic Programs, c/o Windsor High School, 19 Ascutney Street, Windsor, VT 05089 .