BALCOMB, Fred Israel - With deep sadness the family announces the passing of Fred Israel Balcomb of Middleton on August 10, 2010 at the Veterans Wing, Soldiers Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on March 29, 1921 in Clementsport, NS, the son of the late Owen and Ida (Maughan) Balcomb. Fred worked several years with the Dominion Atlantic Railway, eight years with Twin Cities Co-op Dairy body shop and the last few years with the Department of Transportation as an inspector, retiring in 1985. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and cribbage. He was a veteran of the Second World War, serving in England, Sicily, Italy, France, Belgium, and was a liberator of Holland, where he met his future bride of 61 years. He was a Life Member and President of Middleton Branch #1, Royal Canadian Legion and was a president of the Middleton Lions Club. Fred was a volunteer for many organizations until recent years. He is survived by his wife, the former Anne Wilhelmina Toes; daughter, Dr. Ingrid Balcomb, Maynard, Mass; son, James (Annemarie), Grand Bay-Westfield, NB; granddaughter, Jennifer (Nathan) Pfleegor; grandson, Nicholas; great granddaughters, Meeka and Kya; great grandson, Luke and sister, Ruth, Digby. He was predeceased by sisters, Leota, Helen, Marion and Beatrice; brothers, Creighton and David and granddaughter, Amanda Romney. There will be no visitation by request of the family. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held 4:30PM, Thursday, August 12, 2010 in the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, (902) 825-3448, Rev. Leon Langille officiating, beginning with a Royal Canadian Legion Tribute, conducted by Middleton Branch # 1. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middleton at a later date. By request, family flowers only. Donations in memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of NS; The Lodge That Gives or Memory Lane Railway Museum. The family wishes to thank Veterans Affairs Canada and in particular, the outstanding nursing care at the Veterans Wing, Soldiers Memorial Hospital. Online condolences may be made through: www.middletonfuneralhome.com