Michael Bale
September 23, 1941 - January 24, 2014
Tribute
In loving memory of Dr. MICHAEL STANLEY BALE, who died peacefully the evening of January 24, 2014. He had been diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis and remained resilient throughout. Mike touched the lives of numerous individuals through his profession, hobbies, and personal life—and will be greatly missed by all. His legacy is held by a devoted wife, Patricia (nee. Hansen); five children, Chris (Claire), Tanya (Jason), Geoffrey (Brittany), Gregory, and Natasha; and three grandchildren, Oliver, Joe, and Evan. He is also survived by four sisters, Heather, Jane, Jill, and Sue; extended family, and many close friends. Mike was overwhelmed by the outpouring of care for him during these past few weeks from family, friends, and patients. As was his nature, he left a note specifically requesting: “no service, no memorial … no fuss!!” Kindly forward any gestures to the Abbotsford Community Foundation Fund. His family is thankful for your support. As there is to be no service, please have a pint in Mike's memory and go for a walk in a beautiful spring garden.
Condolences
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From: Jim and Elinore Lyons
Relation: Friends and Patients
Dear Patricia and family
Jim and I had been patients of Mike for the last 35 years and feel we have also lost a very good friend. He was always compassionate to our medical concerns and we felt at ease that we were in the best hands possible.
He always took a little extra time for small talk with us, whether it was about cars or gardening and we left his office feeling he genuinely cared about us and our family.
We enjoyed working with him on our little invention and dreamed of riches. It would have been such a thrill for him if we had been able to get it off the ground and to market as was our plan.
I will be taking extra care of the numerous rhododendrons that he gave us as young plants. They are beautiful and thriving in my garden and will mean so much more to me now.
We are so sorry that Mike left us all too soon.
Sincerely
Jim & Elinore Lyons
From: GAIL SCHERBAN
Relation: doctor
I would like to extend my sincere sympathy in the passing of Dr. Bale. He was my doctor for many years and then my husband’s. I will be forever grateful for the care and all the conversations he had with Harold, especially in the final years of his life. Dr. Bale was always availabe for Harold- that is rare nowadays. I think Harold thought of him as a friend as much as a doctor. May he rest in peace.
From: Danielle Windecker Knowles
Relation: Patient
Dr. Bale delivered me, and was our family GP for many years. I was born with 1 hand, and he was excellent with providing information to my parents. He also took excellent care of my Dad while he went through two bouts of cancer and other health issues. Rest in peace, Dr. Bale. I was saddened to hear of your passing. I live in England now, and I’ll be sure to have a pint and go for a walk in a local garden in your honour.
From: Sharon Flavelle & Norman Matt
Relation: patient
We were patients of Dr. Bale’s for many years. We appreciated everything he did for us, and send our deepest sympathies to the family.
From: John and Anda Pawlovich
Relation: friend
Patty–just returned from vacation and got the notice of Mike–so very sorry–he was a great guy and will be dearly missed. My brother was diagnosed with the same disease and did not make it even after a lung transplant–I share your sorrow. RIP Mike
From: bonita marno
Relation: my family doctor since 1987
michael was a friend and fellow gardener, he delivered all my babies and my twins were his 25th set! i remember him coming into the delivery room in gum boots: ) natasha graduated with my son jesse. a loving gentle man, cheerio, will miss my english smile : )
From: Laura Wallace
Relation: friend
Dear Patti. I was so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. His love of medicine, gardening and his family is his legacy. May your many memories and knowing that others care, bring you comfort at this very sad time. Sincerely, Laura
From: Doris Rettich
Relation: patient
Sorry for your loss. DR Bale was such a kind, honest man. Even as I was dealing with my mom’s decline and death, he was willing to take the time to listen and give advice. He will be missed. and I will go stroll through the garden and remember him.
From: Dr Chris Finch
Relation: Professionally, friend
Suzanne and I met Mike on our return to Mission in 1976. Mike was with friends developing a squash club in Abbotsford(now the bubble).
We kept in touch over the years but we left the area in 2008. We are saddened to hear of his loss to the community. He did make a difference and will be sorely missed. His note to us is pure Mike! We will take that pint.
From: Reg and Wendy Jensen
Relation: Family Doctor and Friend
Like so many others that have posted we considered Dr. Bale a friend as well as our doctor. It was so sad for us to hear of his sudden illness and passing. The ease and promptness of being able to see him the same day or the next day when calling to make an appointment was only the start of a pleasant experience that often included a conversation about similar likes etc. We will miss him very much.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone number of the delivery location for handy reference.
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