Ken Balsley, 80, of Lacey, passed away yesterday. A friend to many, including us at The JOLT, he was so dedicated to his craft that he completed his final interview yesterday morning.
He wrote the following words, which we share with permission from his family.
I lived longer than I ever expected and I was relatively healthy (until recently that is).
I'm a Lucky Man today.
I was born in exciting and interesting times, in the most dominant country in the world and got to spend most of my life in the Great Pacific Northwest.
I'm a Lucky Man today.
I had the opportunity in my life to love a woman who showed me what true love really is.
I'm a Lucky Man today.
I was lucky enough to see my son grow up and become a fine adult and a very loving person.
I was lucky enough to have three stepsons -- all of whom did their best to make my life exciting, interesting and loving.
I'm a Lucky Man today.
I was lucky enough to have a stepdaughter -- who showed me that overcoming obstacles and fighting all of the unexpected challenges that life throws at us is just something you have to do.
I'm a Lucky Man today.
I have grandchildren who make me proud and grandchildren whom I had the opportunity to get to know and love.
I'm a Lucky Man today.
I made many friends that stuck with me. Who wants more than that from a friend?
I'm a Lucky Man today.
I had the opportunity to do what I wanted, to say what I wanted, to go where I wanted and to love whom I wanted. Many people never get those opportunities.
I'm a Lucky Man today.
I was able to make a living telling people what I think. And that's something that's always amazed me.
I'm a Lucky Man today.
And my curiosity as a reporter leads me to believe that there's a great story just waiting for me on the other side.
More about Ken Balsley will follow as it becomes available.
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Larry Dzieza
My condolences to his family and friends.
This is unfortunate news and a loss to our community.
I feel that I was "lucky" to have an opportunity, however briefly, to meet and talk with Ken.
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 Report this
psterry
Ken was a fixture. More than that, he was an integral part of our local fabric, adding texture with his unique points of view. The sight of him usually brought a smile to my face, even though I might be shaking my head during conversation.
I was shocked to hear of his death. We are thinner and flatter without him. Best wishes for Jan.
Thursday, March 2, 2023 Report this
PollyinWA
He seriously wrote this the day he died? What a marvelous legacy. My condolences to his family.
Thursday, March 2, 2023 Report this