Obituaries

Thomas Balmer, 93, of Sherman, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2014, at his home. According to his wishes, his body was cremated. His family will conduct private memorial services at a later date. Thomas was born July 28, 1920, in Selkirk, Scotland, to Stewart and Margaret Neil Balmer, and raised on the Phillip Haugh Estate where his father was a gamekeeper. After graduating high school, he joined the British Air Force and was stationed in South Africa for three years. He later joined the Merchant Navy, and while in Australia, decided that was where he wanted to stay. In 1949, he jumped ship, married Mary Moyes – whom he had met at a weekend dance back home in Scotland – and lived ‘down under’ for four years. He eventually returned home to Scotland, before relocating to Canada in search of better employment. He worked as a tool and die maker, which ultimately took him to Detroit, Michigan, where he spent 30 years with General Motors. After his retirement, Thomas was very fond of gardening and working in and around his home. He was also a tremendous soccer and hockey fan. He loved to watch his Dallas Stars on television. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Betty Boog. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary; sons Stewart Balmer of Sherman and Gerard Balmer and wife Nancy of Luella; daughter Delia Balmer of London, England; brother Neil Balmer and wife Jean of Linlithgow, Scotland; sister Margaret Holden and husband Percy of Brixham, England; grandchildren Willard Chapman, DeLaura Salters and Violet Chapman; and four great-grandchildren.