BALDERSTON, Robert W. "Bob"

Robert W. “Bob” Balderston, 88, of Baker City, died Oct. 1, 2012, at St. Alphonsus Care Center in Baker City. His memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Coles Tribute Center. There will be a reception afterward at Coles Tribute Center. Private interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. Bob was born on Nov. 10, 1924, at Philadelphia. He was the younger of two sons of Canby C. and Gertrude Emery Balderston. Bob received his early education at Westtown School in Westtown, Pa., graduating in 1942. As a Quaker, Bob had conscientious scruples against bearing arms. He was 18 when he and his brother, Fred, volunteered with the American Tield Service as ambulance drivers in September of 1942. They sailed to the Middle East with the AFS Unit Middle East 37 in January of 1943. They both served with the British 8th and 9th Armies in the Middle East, North Africa, Italy and Austria in 1943-45. Bob returned to the states in 1945. After his service, he attended the University of Colorado where he met the love of his life, Dorothea Bea “Dode” Ellingson. They were married in September 1950 and moved to Unity where bob assisted in managing the Ellingson Lumber Co. sawmill. They remained active in the operation, moving to Baker City in 1955. In 1958, Bob and Dode moved to Englewood, Colo., where Bob continued his career. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity and remained an active supporter of Westtown School. Although they had no children, Bob was a favorite uncle of his many nieces and nephews. Bob and Dode’s home at Englewood was always a welcome stop for visits, family members said. The couple were also avid boosters of the Denver University hockey team and provided part-time employment and support for many of the players. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Dode; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Baker City Herald 24 Oct 2012