Royal Curtis Balch

Of Jackson, Michigan passed away at his home on Sunday, March 14, 2021, at the age of 97. Mr. Balch was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Margaret Balch; siblings: Lawrence, Marian, Ruthana, John, Phyllis and Robert, as well as his parents, John V. and Mabel (Bright) Balch. He is survived by his three children: Laura (Ron) Rotarius, Marcia (James) Dimitry, and Royal Curtis Balch, Jr.; grandchildren: Michael (Bridget) Smith, Jeffery (Lisa) Ostrander, Melinda (Ivan) Njunjic, Adam and Kyle Dimitry; great grandchildren: Justin Smith, Megan and Jack Ostrander; many Balch and Christie nieces and nephews; and friend for over 60 years, Ron Fultz. Royal was born in Follansbee, West Virginia on January 15, 1924. After graduating from Follansbee High School, he attended West Virginia University for one year. He was drafted, then enlisted in the United States Air Force to remain with his twin brother. He served as a weather observer in the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan at the end of WWII. After his honorable discharge, he attended U.C.L.A and excelled in the track and cross country program under legendary U.C.L.A. Coach Elvin “Ducky” Drake. He lettered six times and briefly held a record for the one-mile at 4 mins. / 17 sec. He attained a Masters degree in Industrial Psychology from Western Reserve University, and worked in insurance sales, investments, and finally as a recruiter for ITT Technical Institute before retiring in 1988. Royal was an avid fan of golf tournaments, university basketball and football, the Detroit Tigers, Lions, and Pistons. He was caring, supportive, humorous, intellectually curious, and always ready with a quick-witted response. His sunny, upbeat, positive attitude, listening ear, and devotion to faith and family will be sorely missed. Mr. Balch will be cremated with a memorial and graveside service to follow in the spring . The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Ganton family, staff, and friends at Arbor North Semi- Assisted living facility for all their support, kindness and friendship toward Royal and Margaret .