BALAZ, George – at his residence, Plymouth Cordage Retirement Home, on Wednesday, January 7, 2014 in his 102nd year. Beloved husband of the late Pauline Balaz (nee, Galen) (2006). Loving father of Diana Surka (Rick) and Shirley Lampman (Ron). Cherished grandfather of Kristin Davies (Chris), Derek Surka (Charrissa), Keara Jakic, Mark Surka (Christa) and Craig Lampman (Tracy) and great-grandfather of Teagan, Tayah, Kalea, Laiken, Jackson, Liam, Abby, Brody and Everett. Dear brother-in-law of Susan Horni (Steve). Lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews in Ontario and Slovakia. Mr. Balaz came to Canada in 1937 where he met and married Pauline in 1940. A tailor by trade, he owned and operated B & M Dry Cleaners in Welland and following the sale of the business he worked at Towers Department Store until his retirement. He was a proud and very active member of the Canadian Slovak Benefit Society and eventually became Canadian President. Mr. Balaz was presented the Ontario Bi-Centennial Medal in 1984. He was a longtime member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Friends are invited to visit the family at the H.L. CUDNEY FUNERAL HOME, 241 West Main Street, Welland, on Friday, January 16th from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 17th at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church or the Leukemia Society would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences available at www.cudneyfuneralhome.com12883872