Richard J. Balvin

Richard was born February 10, 1937 in Tyndall, South Dakota, the son of Romain and Lillian (Varilek) Balvin. He grew up on the family farm south of Tyndall. He was a 1955 graduate of Tyndall High School. On October 6, 1956 he married Austa Ferwerda, of Springfield, South Dakota.

Richard and Austa settled in Alameda, California shortly after getting married. Richard later attended Laney College in Oakland, California where he received a certificate in Horticulture.

Richard always had his main job. But Richard took on side jobs mostly doing yard work, tree trimming and landscaping for many homes and some businesses while still living in Alameda. He always involved his young children during this time passing along his strong work ethic and the pride in doing a good job.

Over the years Richard worked at everything from landscaping to property management. Many years for the City of Alameda until 1979 and then for several years in his home state of South Dakota living in Tyndall and Freeman. Working for Gurney's in Yankton and then for the city of Freeman respectively.

In 1983 Richard and Austa, with youngest child Leah still at home, moved back to California. They made a major career change into property management, mainly apartment buildings. First in Antioch, California, Reno, Nevada and eventually to Aurora, Colorado in 1988. For several years this was a family undertaking with sons Peter, Timothy, and daughter Leah working alongside Richard and Austa in the daily operations of rental property management, maintenance and upkeep.

Richard retired in 2001 but found it hard to not be working. So he went back to work part time working for his son Peter. Richard just loved to work. He continued this for a few years until Austa's health deteriorated and was needed more at home until her passing on April 21, 2011.

Richard had a love for anything outdoors. He always made time for many picnics, fishing and camping trips with his family. They were endless. He also enjoyed hunting, especially when he got to hunt for Ringneck Pheasants with his sons in his home state of South Dakota. Richard enjoyed many types of music. From The Zac Brown Band to The Dick Zavodny Polka Band. He dearly loved being a Grandfather and always looked forward to when he could spend time with his Grandchildren.

Richard is survived by special friend Shirley Dewalt; by his five children, Peter Balvin, Timothy (Liz Fendel) Balvin, Richard (Darcy) Balvin Jr., Joseph Balvin, and Leah Balvin; three siblings, Bernard (Edrhys) Balvin, Delores Luft, and Denise (Bill) Cole; nine grandchildren, April Balvin, Lyndsey Balvin, Tara (and Fiance Pablo) Balvin, Miranda (Mark) Fox, Amber (Kevin) Burgess, Joseph Balvin, Jr., Jenna Balvin, Jillian (Levi Coronado-Morales) Balvin, and Margo Balvin-Maes; four step-grandchildren, CJ (Mary Rose) Turman, Chanda (Bill) Crittenden, Aaron (Sylvia) Fendel, and Ryan Fendel; two great-grandsons Mordecai and Lincoln.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Austa Balvin; brothers Robert and Roger, sister Norma; parents, Romain and Lillian Balvin.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Denver Dumb Friends League Animal at //www.ddfl.org/ .

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