Obituary of Doris Jeannette Balkwill

DORIS JEANETTE BALKWILL June 24, 1928 - December 27, 2016 Doris Balkwill, 88 years, of Regina, SK passed peacefully into the arms of Our Lord in hospital with her grandchildren, Danny Balkwill and his sister-in-law Angie (Steven) Balkwill by her side, for which we are eternally grateful. She was predeceased by her son Tom Balkwill (Dec. 31/15) and his beautiful wife Elaine (Nov. 22/12). Doris leaves to mourn her passing, yet celebrate her joyous and pain free life with Christ, Son Chris (Kim) Balkwill; Daughter Marilyn (Phil) Bradel of Texas; Grandchildren, Steven (Angie), Dean (Lisa), Danny (Katie) Balkwill, and Rocky (Toshia) Hayden; Great-Grandchildren, Kate, Aimee, Jake, Jordan, Sumner, Parker, Finley, and Jaedan; and Sister Evelyn (John) Wahl. Her memory will also be cherished by her best friend Muriel Cameron and her daughters, Lynn, Michelle, and Leslie; and special friend Neil Balkwill; as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Doris was a beautiful woman and a follower in Christ. She was a generous and loving mother, partner, and friend, who dedicated her life to enriching the lives of others. Doris worked with seniors for more than forty years, developed working relationships with all Senior Recreational Centres in SK, and was consulted on Senior Lifestyle programs and facilities across Canada. Doris was the recipient of the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation of Canada. Born in Shaunavon, SK, Doris attended public school in Weyburn, where she also began her post-secondary education: 1945-46 graduated RPN - Weyburn Mental Institute; 1947-48 graduated GRN - General Hospital in Regina (RGH); 1950 she developed the Candy Stripers at the RGH; 1952-55 graduated OT – Bishops University, Lennoxville QC; 1962 BSc Recreation - U of Western Ontario; 1965 BSc Practicum – Recreation Director Pioneer Village; 1974 M.A. Recreational Psych - Hamilton State Univ of Tucson, AZ; 1978 PhD Psych – USH Houston Texas, Thesis - Sexuality and The Senior; 1980 Exec Dir - Regina Senior Citizens Centre responsible for design and fundraising, also Exec Dir – Regina Rotary Centre; 1988-90 Director - Provincial Seniors Council; Chair - Senior Housing and Transportation Committee; Sr Representative - Probation Services on Senior Abuse; President - Regina Alzheimer’s Society; Member - Board of Directors for Wascana Home Care, Committee Member - Personal and Public Relations; Sask Representative for Canadian Senior Centres, President of Canadian Institute for Senior Citizen Centres, Member - Sask Drug Commission Review; Lecturer and consultant on pre-retirement; 1990-97 Member of the Board of Directors - Regina Housing Authority. Mom’s priority of life was her family, friends, laughter, and individuality with a touch of Bling, ensuring that life with her would never be dull. We’d like to thank all those at Selo Gardens for many happy times and good years; Sunset Extendicare and their amazing staff for making Mom feel welcome and loved, and made her stay a positive experience; the RGH doctors and staff for their care during her last hours, and last but not least, a big thanks to all of you and God Bless. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com