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| In Remembrance of Rolf Balansiak Sadly, on the morning of Thursday, January 17th 2008, the life of a truly Great Artisan was taken from us. The Musky-Angling community at large mourns the death of one of our own, and honors the memory of one of our Pioneers. Rolf Balansiak was a Great Man and Gifted Artist who had a big heart and an undying passion for doing what he loved to do. Rolf was the best in the World at what he did and shall be remembered and honored for many years to come. We wish to extend our condolences to the Balansiak family & friends at this difficult time. BALANSIAK, Rolf After a brief illness, RoIf passed away unexpectedly at St. Michael's Hospital on Thursday, January 17, 2008. Loved companion for over 20 years to Kelly Lord (Johnson). Loved stepfather of Erin. Rolf is predeceased by his parents Hilde and Walter Balansiak. Dear brother of Rosi Holm, Ranate Letts and Roman Balansiak and his wife Luise. Dear son-in-law of Don and June Johnson and brother-in-law of Glen and Brenda and Ron Christine. Special uncle to Eric and Vanessa Holm, Jared Letts, Daniel and Brian Johnson and Daniel Balansiak. |
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"I would just like to extend my condolences to Rolf family and friends. I only saw him once a year, we had a booth next to him in Chicago for many years but he always had advice about baits etc. I will miss the tremendous show he put on next to us. Regards,"Phil Griffiths |
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"I’m very sorry to hear about Rolf"David Walsh |
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"My condolences to the Balansiak family on the passing of Rolf. Rolf will be missed."Mark Stadnyk |
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"Hello Kelly, I’m so sorry for your loss. Rolf was a great man and fine artist. I will always think of him when I’m trolling one of his wonderful baits."Patrick Finn |
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"We wish to send our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Balansiak family and friends. His passion, and perfection as an artist was second to none. We have truly lost a legend and fantastic human being . He will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Sincerely,"Dan and Jessica Sustr |
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"There are never good words to say when a loved one passes.. I didn’t know Rolf well...Although he made me feel that I did...I enjoyed talking and corresponding with him about his baits...My thoughts and prayers with your family and friends."Matt Sterrett |
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"You made the world a better and more fun place to live Rolf."Chris and Jeff from the Chicago Musky Show |
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"To a great buddy: May you rest in peace big guy , you have always been a great friend , I truly enjoyed every minute that we spent over the years together whether it was fishing together , having a beer or at a musky meeting , may you rest in peace , God be with you , I say a prayer for your family"Darren Onyshko |
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"Best Wishes, It’s Brett from Brett’s Baits. Terribly sad to hear of Rolf’s passing. To let you know most of the musky community knows already. Rolf was always well respected, and hope you can take some salvage in the fact his memories and legacy will live on for generations. My boys where very sad to hear the news. They felt honoured to feel special recognition Rolf gave them at the Odd this spring."Brett Cournoyea |
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"Kelly, my prayers go out to you and all of your family and friends. Rolf was a great musky fisherman and a unique bait maker I am delighted to have known. We will run our Wishmasters this season in honor of Rolf, and cheers to the sky Rolf for being our friend."Steve Crook |
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| "I would like to express my condolences to Rolf’s family and friends. I’ve known Rolf for the 8 years I have been in the business and he was by far one of the nicest guys one can meet and do business with. He will be missed by all that have ever met him. RIP Rolf only 50 inchers bite up there." Richard Collin |
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"I would like to extend my condolences to the Balansiak family at this very sad time.Rolf made the biggest and best baits out there and I was lucky enough to purchase a Big Wish from him that has caught some of my best pike. Rolf was a brilliant craftsman and artist and will be missed very much by the muskie community. I had more than one long conversation on the phone with Rolf about his baits, pike and muskie and I couldnt imagine talking to a nicer guy.Thanks for everything Rolf!"Scott Krieg |
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"My heart felt condolences go out to him and his family! He will be missed by more than we know. I will miss the conversations we had every year about Baits and his new home on the bay."Tony Spicker |
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| "Our condolences to Kelly, Erin and their and Rolf’s families. Many trips ... many shows ... many laughs ... your friendship You will be missed ... Goodbye my friend ..." Joe and Diane Inrig |
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"My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to you Kelly and to Rolf’s extended family. Rolf was a wonderful man who had many talents. He will be missed dearly by us all. My heart goes out to all at his sudden passing. His memory will live on forever."Rick Langford |
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"A sad loss of a good friend."Jim Grove |
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"My sympathies, May God shine on you Rolf"Marc Thorpe |
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"What a shock to me and the entire muskie world. Rolf’s artistry and pleasantness will be sadly missed. Condolences to the family and friends."Larry Ramsel |
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"Dear Kelly, Our deepest sympathy goes to you and your family. Although we only knew Rolf for a few years we had gained alot of respect for him as a friend and an artist. I am going to miss our conversations about Iroquois Bay (Rolfs little piece of gods country) fishing,and his fascination with Jeep Rubicons. Again our thoughts are with you."Rob,Cathy and Emily McCutcheon |
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"To anyone and everyone who knew Rolf, especially his family, all of my condolernces and deepest sympathies."Dean Dajko |
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"My family and I wish to extend our condolences to the Balansiak family and Kelly during this time of sadness. I will treasure the great conversations Rolf and I had over the years about muskie fishing and life and will forever be thankful that I had the great privilege of being able to call Rolf my friend. You have carried a heavy load for a long time, old friend. Rest in peace knowing you will always be respected, loved and missed by all those that knew you..."Mike Dalakis |
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"My deepest sympathy to you, Kelly, your family and to Rolf’s family. Rolf and I shared a deep love for the Bay, and I will forever miss those wonderful conversations with him in your home. He was a true artist and a person I feel privileged to have known."Dave Mayfield |
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"Dear Kelly and Balansiak family. Lake Huron lost it's best trophy yet when Rolf ascended to Heaven. Rolf is a fine example of what defined a Canadian and Canadian Musky Angler. Our family is very sorry for your loss. Rolf's legacy will live forever through North America. Rest in Peace Rolf."Tom, Kathy & Jacob Hulbert |
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| "On behalf of myself and the entire Fox River Valley Chapter of Muskies, Inc. here in Hoffman Estates IL; I want to extend my condolences to the entire Balansiak family. I was stunned to hear of the terrible news, especially after seeing Rolf at the Chicago Show. Rolf was a wonderful man who touched many lives through the fine craftsmanship he put into all his baits. He was a true artist in every sense of the word. His passion for the sport will be missed and his passing will leave a huge void that will be felt by all of us. He was a wonderful man and I am proud to have called him my friend. May God keep him safe.....for we will meet again......... God Bless," Rich Galagher |
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"On behalf of each member of Muskies, Inc., please accept my heartfelt condolences on Rolf's passing. I was privileged to meet him at the Chicago Muskie Show a few years ago, and had the chance to include him in a story in MUSKIE magazine. He was a gentleman and a true artist. His work remains as a testament to the man."David C. Cates |
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"I'm very sorry to hear of Rolfs passing ...As a fellow giant lure maker I really admired his work ...Thanks for informing me and please send my condolences to his family. All my best...."Ken Picou |
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"I was very sorry to hear that Rolf had passed away. My heart goes out to all his family."Jed V. |
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"Please extend my condolences to Rolf's family. I was fishing out of the country and just heard of his demise at the Milwaukee show. My prayers are with his loved ones."Mark Carlson |
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"A special Thanks to Rolf ... I would like to offer our condolences to the Family and friends of Rolf. I met Rolf in Pittsburgh at the first Pittsburgh Musky show. His willingness to share information and lend his knowledge helped me as a Big Bait maker and for that I place my hat on my heart and thank him. His work was the standard that all the rest of us had to try and measure up to. None of us have been able to do this. He passes in my opinion as the best of all time in the building of Big Fishing lures. I had not seen Rolf in a long time but had a chance to spend about 20 minutes with him in Chicago. I am glad I got to do that. I will miss his booth at the shows and his good nature and great work as we all will. God rest his soul and comfort you his family and friends."Michael and Michelle King |
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"Rolf was my inspiration. His enthusiasm inspired me, and words cannot express my feelings. I am sure part of his soul swims with the giants, in the deep cold waters of one of his loves...Georgian Bay."Dave Dutchak |
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"I can only believe that God was out of baits and needed another Baitmaker. God never settles for second best. my condolences."Don Rothmeier |
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"I met Rolf a few years back at the Spring Fishing Show in Toronto and at a Muskie Show in Chicago. What I remember the most about Rolf is his passion for making baits and his love of muskie fishing. He put his heart and soul into muskie fishing. More people like Rolf are needed. I am sorry I did not hearing of his passing sooner. I would like to express our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. His loss is great to all muskie fishermen."Bill and James Craig |
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"The Ottawa Valley Muskie Club would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Rolf. He will be missed."Ottawa Valley Muskie Club |
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| Thank you all for your kind words. Please forward your condolences to the Webmaster |
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