Obituary of Gerry Balazsity

In Loving Memory of Gerald “Gerry” Balazsity
July 5, 1950 – May 4, 2026

Peacefully, surrounded by love, Gerald Anton Alexander Balazsity of Bothwell passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the age of 75, following a courageous journey with cancer.

Gerry shared a beautiful life with his devoted wife, Karen for 45 years. He was a loving Dad to Kelly (Matt) Saunders and proud Grandpa to Jack and Julie, who brought endless joy to his life.

Gerry will be deeply missed by his siblings: Marion (Rick) Schroeder, Linda (Peter) Hebblethwaite, and Murray (Chris) Balazsity. He was a brother-in-law to Shirley Faulds, Joan (Lorne) Hay, and Keith (Debbie) McLean. "Uncle Gerry" will also be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. He is reunited with his parents, Alex and Arvilla Balazsity, and his in-laws, Howard and Anne McLean , brothers-in-law Barry Wiseman, Paul Faulds, and nephew Adam Balazsity .

Gerry spent most of his career managing and cutting meat for many years at the Bothwell Foodland, where he was known for working hard, but could be heard laughing every single day. In “retirement”, he truly embraced the beauty of the outdoors and loved his time working at the Wardsville Golf Course. He found genuine joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially the peace and satisfaction of cutting grass on a clear day.

An avid sportsman and social butterfly, Gerry enjoyed playing baseball, hockey, and rounds of golf with many friends, as well as dancing, attending the horse races, bicycling and travelling. But most of all, Gerry was his grandkids' biggest fan; never missing an activity or a chance to cheer them on from the sidelines.

The family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to the Four Counties Hospital, LHS Cancer Clinic and the Chatham-Kent Hospice for their compassionate care. They treated Gerry with unwavering dignity and ensured he could continue to enjoy life’s simple pleasures until the end. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Four Counties Health Services Foundation or Chatham Kent Hospice Foundation would be preferred. Online condolences and donations may be left at www.badderfuneralhome.com

Family and friends are invited to gather to share memories, laughter, and the many stories that defined Gerry’s life at the Bothwell Legion on Sunday, May 31st from 11-3pm. In honour of his love of the game and his time he spent at the course, the family encourages you to wear your favourite golf shirt.

Gerry’s kindness and laughter will live in our hearts forever. He lived by a simple but powerful philosophy: whatever you are doing—whether it is work or play—dedicate 100% of yourself to it and always look for the positive.  Arrangements entrusted to the Badder & Robinson Funeral Home, Bothwell