Home of the U.S.J.F. George C. Balch Education Scholarship
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Many
people from all over the world have been touched by And thank you for sharing your warm memories.
I'm
saddened by the loss of one of my teacher's in Judo. George always had a
kind comment when I experienced a loss at a tournament. And offered advise
and encouragement for next time. I looked forward to seeing George on the
sideline. And now I know how much his presence will be missed.
Whenever I would see George at a shiai
when I was a junior
judoka competitor, my nervousness would start to disappear for
he had a calm, reassuring presence. He would go out of his way to make
everyone feel special. It seemed like every time I won a trophy; George
was the official handing me the trophy.
George always seemed to be in great physical condition, always
was in shape, even when he was in his seventies.
I have a nineteen year old daughter and a five year old
daughter and I want them to marry a man just like George.
George will stand out as a giant of a man in my
memories, he was a true judoka and a champion in the deepest sense of the
word.
Walter Lamb
It seems I've known George all my life. I remember him
refereeing some of my
Dear Elizabeth and family,
The pioneers of Judo are slowly passing away but the legacy
they leave behind has been remarkable in their impact and influence they have
had for those who have been fortunate enough to have known them.
George was just such a gentleman and I will always remember him for his
kind words of encouragement as I moved up the referee ranks.
George was not one to hold back his enthusiasm for someone else’s
success. For that I will be
eternally grateful that I knew him and hope to be able to pass this onto to
other aspiring referees and judoka’s. My deepest condolences to you and your family as you grieve
your loss. George will be missed,
but he will not be forgotten. Kei Narimatsu IJF A Referee Illinois
I'm so sorry to hear about George
passing. My prayers are with
Dear Elizabeth,
Shayne's Dear Elizabeth
I am so sorry to hear about George. I
have been away on vacation and didn't see this e-mail until today.
I away had a great deal of respect for George and his commitment to
YMCA, and how he treated people in general. When he worked at the Flint YMCA
we had a kinship, because we both didn't like someone
and how he dealt with people. George kept me from leaving Flint, and told
me not to worry about him, just to keep myself above him. I have always
appreciated that advice. George was a good and great man who will
be missed by many !
We have just opened our new Dining Hall which has a large
deck with the view of the lake. We placing great looking wood furniture on
this for people to use to relax and enjoy the view.
We will place a loveseat on the deck in George's name
to remember his contributions to the YMCA and Camp Copneconic. A small
gesture for a good guy.
My best wishes ! Fritz
What a sweet memorial for a
special man. I knew George when he was with the Flint YMCA, and
spent a fair amount of time talking to him about the YMCA and his and
my love for it. Even when I left the Flint Y, I occasionally
ran into him, and it was as though no time had passed. He was a true
gem! He would be proud of this site, and the many friends and family
he has left behind.
Carol
When
I first met George, he was a judge at my first two judo matches (lost by a
pin and choke),,, but I gained a real friend, who gave me good advice to tap
sooner next time. I knew George for 20 years and looked up to him.
He was a great judoka and friend.
I wish I had the pleasure of knowing
George in person ---
I feel as if I DO know him, from the wonderful tributes
I've read.
I also feel that I know him, at least a little bit....
through his daughter Diane, whom I have been blessed to
know for eleven years.
From the old saying, "The apple doesn't fall very far
from the tree ..." ----- I am sure that
many of Diane's
terrific qualities are there because of George's
influence
in her life.
So, Diane (and family) .... just know that my
heart and prayers are with you.
I too, watched my Dad die from cancer. Eight years have passed, and I still get teary-eyed, but the pain has lessened. It's easier to
laugh and remember the good memories now. And
I
pray that you will feel that way in the not-too distant
future.
I'll close with this lovely saying which is part of an
Eskimo legend:
"PERHAPS THEY ARE NOT THE STARS! PERHAPS
THEY ARE OPENINGS IN HEAVEN WHERE THE LOVE
OF OUR DECEASED LOVED ONES POURS THROUGH
AND SHINES DOWN UPON US, TO LET US KNOW
THEY ARE HAPPY."
Keep shining, George!!!!
~ Pat Watanabe
To know him was to love him. Ron and Isabel New Dear Elizabeth, I was saddened to hear that George has left his Earthly life. And extend my sincere sympathy to you and your family. I will always remember a wonderful favor he did for me, and want to share it with you. In about 1980, when he was the director of the "Y" in Mt. Clemens, I enrolled my 12 year old son in a swimming class. Son Jonathan had undergone several ear operations and hence had never had his head under water, let alone learned to swim. It was bad enough that he had to be in a class with very young children, but what was really bad, he didn't want to put his head under water, and made no progress after completing the class. I re-enrolled him, but by this time the class instructor had lost interest in encouraging him, so he spent his time down at the shallow end, beating out rhythms on the side of the pool. (he was/is a percussionist) One evening, George noticed me sitting at the pool window, and asked if I had a child in the class. "Yes" I replied, "The bid kid down at the shallow end, playing an imaginary drum on the side of the pool". I told him about Jonathan's fear, and lack of ability to make any progress after two classes. The next thing I knew, he had taken off his suit, donned a swimming suit, and was in the pool helping my son. He did this for many weeks until one night the magic happened, and Jonathan lost his fear. I don't know who was the happiest, Jonathan , George or me. My son and I have often spoke of this through the years, and it is a treasured memory of a very special person in our lives. As the saying goes, "Some people come into our lives and leave an imprint that remains forever."
Blessings to all of you,
Jan Hudock I will miss George as many will. His smile and constant the encouragement and support of me throughout the years will always remain with me. As a newcomer to the Judo community 20 years ago, I met George shortly thereafter when I first started competing at the National and International level. George would smile his unforgettable smile and cheer on the competitors. As I started refereeing and working for various Judo organizations at the National level, once again George could be found. George was delightful in his teaching and coaching, at least toward this referee. He had dignity and recognized and honored others'. Always offering a cheerful word of thanks and encouragement, George seemed to honor those giving back what they received. Maybe because it was because he gave so much of himself. I learned a lot from George in the small amount of time I was able to spend with him. I am grateful for every moment and every lesson.
To his family I send my heartfelt sympathies and prayers.
And I also offer my thanks for sharing George, his spirit and this
opportunity to give back. I hope you will find many hours of comfort hearing
from others that which you already know, ... just how wonderful this man,
George, really was.
Sincerely,
Charmaine
Dear Mrs.
Balch
I am thinking of you..
To my shock
today I found out one of my mentors was no longer available to George Balch was a protector of children long before child abuse was addressed. When I showed up with bruises on my face, he was the one to confront my father and warn him. When I needed shelter, he was there to make sure that I would not suffer. He showed compassion, caring and concern. He was an outstanding mentor who could never be forgotten. Diane (Aittama) Merrall
George was a gentleman and one of the finest referees, and
very helpful in helping me form the Michigan Judo Institute. He was a
great loss to the spirit of judo.
Ron Matte
Founder, MJA
Rokudan
I looked up to Mr. Balch for many years. Sorry to hear about the passing of a great man.
sincerely. James Farley |