On the morning of Sunday, April 30, 2017, Edward Asom Balcom, 97, of Paradise, Annapolis Co. passed away while being attended by the compassionate staff members of the Veteran's Unit of the Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, Middleton, NS.

A veteran of World War II, Edward served with the Royal Canadian Air Force (Transport Division) both in Canada and the United Kingdom. Seven of the Balcom sons served their country in the Second World War with Edward and four of his brothers serving Overseas. All returned home safely.

Edward was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife, Hattie Grace (Taylor) Balcom on April 25, 2011, three days before their 69th wedding anniversary; brothers Eugene, Russell, Aubrey, Albert, Donald, Norman, Frank and their spouses.

Edward is survived by his only child, son Edward Eugene Balcom and daughter-in-law, Linda Dale (Hubley) Balcom, Halifax. Edward was loved and comforted by their little Havanese dog, Ty. Toward the latter part of his life, Edward was pleased to have the company of his first and second generation of nieces and nephews and appreciated each and every visit from them. There will be many nieces and nephews that will miss their Uncle Ned.

For 28 years, Edward was employed with Gulf Canada Ltd. as a salesman and plant foreman, retiring in 1983. He and Hattie then retired to Paradise.

Edward got great enjoyment working on small engines. He was well known and appreciated in the Valley Community as someone who could be depended upon for his unquestioned help and service for his handyman advice and skills. Folks came from Yarmouth through to Kentville, just to get Edward to work on their engines. He never turned anyone away and was always able to fix the engines. His kindness was boundless. From morning to night, he loved tinkering in his barn.

Although much smaller, Edward still enjoyed planting a kitchen garden even at the age of 97. He always had a large crop of squash and potatoes, enough to last him the winter, but also sharing with family and neighbours. Edward loved taking in as many flea markets as possible, then used the goods he bought for his own yard sales.

In his younger years, Edward loved to hunt and fish with his brothers and nephew, John. He was so appreciative when nephew, Harry would fly his airplane from Blockhouse to take his Uncle Ned for sightseeing trips.

Edward had a mischievous sense of humour. His absolute delight to tease or play practical jokes was well known as his nieces will attest, especially Joan. He would start with a sly slow grin that would quickly turn to chuckles, then laughter that would last long after everyone else.

Much gave Edward pleasure and enjoyment during his life span. He loved to ride motorcycles; Sunday afternoon drives with Hattie; The Chickenburger; Tim Horton's;  grocery shopping;  visits from neighbours, nieces and nephews; reading; word seek puzzles; listening to CBC radio; watching the supper hour news; Cindy Day's weather report; watching hockey games;  Judge Judy, always respecting her talent and humour; and his favourite breakfast of cornmeal porridge.

Edward was able to live in his home another five years after Hattie's death with lots of help from the caregivers from Annapolis Valley Home Care Ltd, Kingston, NS; especially Pearl, Jennifer and Colleen who became like family. He was fortunate to have the valuable helping hands of his neighbours, Rob and Melissa Roscoe and their children; the Taylor nieces, Anna-Marie and Sheila; Gerald (deceased)  and Rose Baltzer; Raymond and Marilyn Gaudet (deceased); the Marshall's;  Dr. Goodine; and the staff of the Veteran Unit of the Hospital.

Cremation has taken place and arrangements are entrusted to the Middleton Funeral  Home Ltd. 398 Main St., Middleton, NS,  B0S 1P0 902-825-3445. There will be no visitation or funeral as per Edward's wishes. Condolences may be sent to www.middletonfuneralhome.com

Flowers are declined. A private graveside burial will take place at a later date.

If you wish, donations may be sent to VAC, Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, Box 730, Middleton NS, B0S 1P0

Sunrise: May 14, 1919

Sunset:  April 30, 2017