I would like to thank Bob’s Mom, Patty: Father Jim and Father
Tom for giving me the opportunity to celebrate Bob’s life.
A few years
ago Bob asked me to be his best man at his wedding. When I
toasted Bob that day, I said that I could not remember the exact
moment that I had met him because he had been such a big part of
my life for so long. He was a friend, who was more of a brother.
If I needed something and did not go to my immediate family, Bob
was one of the first people that I turned to. He was there to
celebrate all of the good times – birthdays, graduations, my
wedding, and the birth of my children. He was also there to help
me through the bad – when tragedy struck me personally – Bob
helped me get through it. He had a big heart and would do
anything for anyone.
Who was
Robert Balachick? I would like to share some thoughts:
He was a son,
a husband, a relative, a neighbor, a co-worker, and a friend to
so many people. He was the glue that connected all of us
together. He had so many different circles of friends – I know
most of you as a direct result of my friendship with Bob. I
never told him, but I was envious of his social skills and his
ability to fit in and make new friends.
He was funny
and had a great sense of humor. He was never afraid of
embarrassing himself and was comfortable enough with himself
that he could be the butt of a joke. We counted on Bob to liven
up a party, either by saying something funny, dancing, or by
just being Bob. As a matter of fact, things were non-typically
so mellow on our camping trip on Friday, I recall asking him to
do something to liven everyone up. His quick comebacks will be
missed. Bob coined countless sayings and even invented words
that have become part of my vocabulary.
He was loyal
and committed – to his family, to his friends, to his dog
(Rusty), and to the Fire Department. The Milltown Fire
Department was such a big part of his life. I heard someone over
the last few days refer to the Fire Department as his second
home, but that person was immediately corrected by another
person – the Fire Department was his first home. His commitment
to the Fire Department was unwavering – countless times I had
asked Bob to do something (go out, play hockey, etc.) on a
Monday or Tuesday night, only to be rejected because he had
cleaners detail, a meeting, or a drill. I have been told that he
had his hands in many things at the FD. Bob was also committed
to his dog Rusty. Many times Bob would leave a social function
to take care of his dog. He loved that dog.
For the most
part, I believe Bob was happy with his life. I remember asking
him a number of times, if he had aspirations to do something
different as a career. His immediate response was: why? I like
what I am doing. I work with great people.
In addition
to the Fire Department, Bob loved the outdoors and would often
spend time fishing or camping. He liked Hockey (the Devils) and
football (the Giants). He liked NASCAR.
Having so
many different circles of friends, Bob had a very busy social
calendar. I would often ask him what he did this weekend and he
would respond: I went to: a wetdown, I went to the Pocono Races,
I was on a cruise, I was at Wildwood, I was ice fishing, I went
camping – the list goes on.
Most of you
know that Bob passed away camping in Harford, PA. Anyone that
had contact with Bob knew he was very passionate about this
particular camping event, particularly when August rolled
around. I would like to provide you with a brief history and try
and describe some of the passion that Bob had for this camping
trip. The camping trip started 20 some years ago as a reunion
for the men in my family to get together and blow off some
steam. I attended my first one 19 years ago when I was sixteen.
Bob joined me the next year and had been going ever since. This
trip became known as the “Good Time”. I don’t know if Bob coined
the phrase “Good Time” but he certainly proliferated it amongst
his friends. Someone shared a story recently that Bob was
describing this trip to someone that he had just met, and the
person could not believe that anyone would travel three hours to
camp. In typical fashion, Bob silenced the person by saying –
you don’t understand it’s the “Good Time”. One year I could not
make the trip, and did not know how this would sit with Bob.
When I told him I couldn’t go he said – that was OK he didn’t
need me anyway – and attended without me. He was loved and will
be missed by everyone there. Usually, my conversation with him
would either begin or end with a count down to “Good Time”.
There are so
many questions that we all have. I don’t know why the Lord chose
to take Bob from us at this time; but I have to believe that he
is in a better place, looking down on us today. The only comfort
that I can find in what has happened is that he was amongst his
friends in a place that he loved.
As we move
forward today, I know that Bob would want us to celebrate his
life. He was responsible for countless good times, smiles and
laughter. I would challenge each and every one of you to share
your memories and stories with family and friends.
Patty, know
that Bob loved you. You were a big part of his life. Know that
we are here for you. Bob had so many friends (as was evident
last night and here today), we owe so much to him. Please call
on us for help and support.
I love you
Bob and will miss you so much.
Born
in New Brunswick, he lived in South River before moving to
Milltown 22 years ago. He was an inspector at Middlesex County
Weights and Measures, New Brunswick, for the past 12 years. He
was a member of the Boy Scouts in South River. He loved to go
camping and enjoyed the outdoors.