In memory of
Richard George Balfour
August 1, 1958 - August 1, 2026
Richard George Balfour passed away on August 1, 2026, at the age of 68. Born in Toronto, Ontario, on August 1, 1958, Rick's life came full circle as he passed away on the very day he was born.
Rick spent 10 years serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, where he achieved the rank of Master Corporal. After his military service, Rick went on to build a career through a variety of roles before eventually retiring from Metrolinx in 2024.
Rick was a man who was large in stature and even larger in life. He had a big personality, a great sense of humour, and a way of making an impression wherever he went. Those who knew him well would smile at the many stories he left behind, including those that involved his lack of balance and his tendency to find himself in the middle of more than a few unexpected mishaps. At first glance, Rick could seem intimidating, but behind that first impression was a truly gentle giant. He was polite, respectful, and kind to those he met.
Rick was known for his humour in all its forms, whether it was a joke, a sarcastic comment, a dry remark, or a story that had everyone laughing. Those close to him will fondly remember one of his favourite sayings, "Imagine that!" A simple phrase, but one that became uniquely Rick.
Rick had a strong personality and was never afraid to share his opinions. He was stubborn and hard-headed at times, but beneath that strong exterior was a deeply sensitive heart. He carried the memories of those he lost and never forgot the people and moments that mattered to him.
Rick was, quite simply, one of a kind.
Rick will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Lois Balfour; his brothers, Robert Balfour (Jodi) and Randy Balfour; his son, Michael Defosse (Shana); his daughter, Chantel Balfour (Shaun); his grandchildren; as well as his nieces, nephews, extended family, and his ride-or-die friends, the ones who were always there when it mattered most.
He was predeceased by his father, William George Balfour II; his brother, Ralph Balfour (survived by Janice); his sister-in-law, Cheryl Balfour; and his beloved partners, Karen Pearson (2013) and Mary Ellen Coxworth (2019).
The family will gather privately at the family cottage, a place filled with memories, to lay Rick's ashes to rest and honour his life.
Rick spent 10 years serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, where he achieved the rank of Master Corporal. After his military service, Rick went on to build a career through a variety of roles before eventually retiring from Metrolinx in 2024.
Rick was a man who was large in stature and even larger in life. He had a big personality, a great sense of humour, and a way of making an impression wherever he went. Those who knew him well would smile at the many stories he left behind, including those that involved his lack of balance and his tendency to find himself in the middle of more than a few unexpected mishaps. At first glance, Rick could seem intimidating, but behind that first impression was a truly gentle giant. He was polite, respectful, and kind to those he met.
Rick was known for his humour in all its forms, whether it was a joke, a sarcastic comment, a dry remark, or a story that had everyone laughing. Those close to him will fondly remember one of his favourite sayings, "Imagine that!" A simple phrase, but one that became uniquely Rick.
Rick had a strong personality and was never afraid to share his opinions. He was stubborn and hard-headed at times, but beneath that strong exterior was a deeply sensitive heart. He carried the memories of those he lost and never forgot the people and moments that mattered to him.
Rick was, quite simply, one of a kind.
Rick will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Lois Balfour; his brothers, Robert Balfour (Jodi) and Randy Balfour; his son, Michael Defosse (Shana); his daughter, Chantel Balfour (Shaun); his grandchildren; as well as his nieces, nephews, extended family, and his ride-or-die friends, the ones who were always there when it mattered most.
He was predeceased by his father, William George Balfour II; his brother, Ralph Balfour (survived by Janice); his sister-in-law, Cheryl Balfour; and his beloved partners, Karen Pearson (2013) and Mary Ellen Coxworth (2019).
The family will gather privately at the family cottage, a place filled with memories, to lay Rick's ashes to rest and honour his life.