Obituary of Lawrence Gordon Balser

It is with heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of our Father, and Papa, Lawrence Gordon Balser. He passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at the age of 90. Born May 10, 1934 to Frederick and Evelyn Baltzer of North Williamston, Annapolis County, NS.

Lawrence leaves behind his two children, Beverly Eastwood (Alan) of Burton NB, and Brian Balser (Carolyn) of Greenwich NB; three grandchildren, Jonathan Eastwood (Erin) of Labrador City NL, Amanda Eastwood of Saint John NB, and David Eastwood (Megan) of Hoyt NB; three great grandchildren, Jacob, Harper and Theodore; two step-grandchildren, Robert Dipiero (Danielle) of Saint John, Jacqueline Legere (Alex) of Winnipeg; four step great-grandchildren; brothers, William ( Betty) Baltzer of Kingston NS, Robert (Rose) Baltzer of Lawrencetown Ana. County NS; sisters, Colleen Pinch Cambridge NS, Sheila (James) Longley of Brooklyn NS; sister-in-law, Rose Baltzer of Middleton NS, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Lawrence was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Evelyn (Bent); his wife of 52 years, Marion (Drost); brothers, Gerald Baltzer and Eric Baltzer, and his sister, Mary Elizabeth Jones (Baltzer).

Lawrence was the second child of eight, the eldest son, and learned early on the importance of hard work. He set that example every day of his life. He joined the military in 1957 and made CFB Gagetown his new home. He had several postings before settling into his new life when he married Marion (Drost) in August of 1961. A few years later he was posted to Germany two more times before settling in Burton.

Dad wasn’t afraid of hard work. With a pickaxe, shovel, and a wheelbarrow he set out to build his first house. No bulldozer or backhoe for him, just back-breaking work. Before retiring in 1975, he purchased property in Lower Burton which was then a part of the River Valley Fruit Farm. Dad had always had a heart for farming, so after retiring from military service, he went right to work building his second house and learned to grow apples. Apple growing became a family affair, we were all involved. Dad stayed in the apple business for 25 years until his body couldn’t keep up the heavy work that was involved. Besides farming, after retiring from the military he went to work at UNB and trained himself to be a Tradesman in Locksmithing with a grade six education. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t try, he was a student of life, always learning and doing and in his and our eyes he was a grade 12 graduate. Yes, Dad enjoyed life, dancing, playing guitar, being a self-trained taxidermist, painting, and hanging out with his friends over games of Auction 45’s and Queens on a Saturday evening. He loved the outdoors, and taking a relaxing trip along the Saint John River to a good hunt in the fall. He loved and was loved by so many; he’ll be greatly missed.

A visitation will be held at Oromocto Funeral Home on May 30, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 pm. A funeral will be at the Oromocto Baptist Church on May 31, 2024 at 11:00 am, followed by interment at Oromocto Pioneer Gardens, and a reception at the church. If you are unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed here: Oromocto Baptist Church - YouTube. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Arthritis society, the Oromocto SPCA, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.