March 30, 1947 – July 22, 2018

Tom Balch passed away Sunday July 22, 2018 at 6:30am at his home in Carnation, WA, succumbing to a long battle with cancer. He was 71 years old, with family and friends at his side.

Thomas Bernard Balch was born on March 30, 1947 in Panama City, Florida, to Anthony Cuthbert Balch and Euna Rae Balch. Tony and Rae, as they were known, later moved the family to Portland, Oregon, where they raised Tom and his two younger brothers. After high school Tom attended Portland State University, and later the University of Washington. Originally intent on becoming a hospital administrator, Tom became interested in patient care while working as a respiratory therapist at Swedish Hospital. He shifted the focus of his studies and entered the UW nursing program, ultimately earning a Master’s degree with honors and becoming a Nurse Practitioner.

Tom did his internship and externship at the old Nelems hospital in Snoqualmie, working with Dr. Maurice Doerfler, MD. In later years they moved to Snoqualmie Valley clinic where he worked until his death.

Tom enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid snow and water skier. He enjoyed boating, sailing, snowmobiling, camping and horseback riding. He enjoyed the camaraderie of hunting, although he never shot anything.

He is survived by his wife Holly, his two children Sean A. Balch of Seattle and Stephanie A. Jones of North Bend, his two grandchildren Ruby Genevieve Balch and George Thomas Balch, as well as his brothers James R. Balch of Portland and William E. Balch of San Diego.

Tom will be missed by family, friends, and patients.

A celebration of his life will be held on September 21, 2018 from 3pm – 6pm at Meadowbrook Interpretive Center in North Bend.