Terry W. Balkwill, 70, of Vero Beach, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 1, 2016, at the Lawnwood Medical Center.
He is survived by his wife Elaine; daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Cary Berg; son Jason Balkwill; and three grandchildren, Haley, Hannah, and Harmony Berg.
Originally from Leamington, Ontario, he was predeceased by his father, Cecil Balkwill.
He was the beloved son of Joy Balkwill, Leamington, Ont. He had two brothers, Larry Balkwill of Allentown, Penn., and Danny Balkwill of Leamington, Ont.
Balkwill loved to play hockey. As a young boy, he played on several teams including the Leamington Lions, Mic Macs, and Leamington Flyers from 1962 to 1964. He was known as “Boomer,” and wore jersey number 5 until he was seriously injured. Several of his teammates went on to play professionally with the NHL.
He joined the U.S. Marines in late 1964 and proudly served in Vietnam with two tours over a period of six years until an injury when he was honorably discharged. He received a number of medals, badges, and awards and was recognized for saving the life of a 10-year-old girl.
Moving to Florida in 1970, he married his wife, Elaine, of nearly 42 years on March 30, 1974. They moved with their younger daughter, Heather, back to his hometown of Leamington in 1975. His son Jason was born in 1977.
They lived in Canada for 17 years and moved back to Florida in 1992. Employed by Island Painting for three years, he then formed Terry Balkwill Painting, LLC until he retired in 2010.
Balkwill was a hard-working, fun-loving, caring, and compassionate man that dearly loved his family. He was known as the life of any social gathering. He is sincerely loved and dearly missed by his wife, children, his mother, his “buddies” Barry and Mark, and his many friends.
A memorial visitation has been held at their home. He will be taken to his hometown of Leamington, Ontario, where a memorial will be held this spring. Memorial contributions go to The Wounded Warriors Project. Arrangements are provided by Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Sebastian; www.seawindsfh.com.
