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Services Held For Wayne Balch, Former NPU Choir Director
SEATTLE, WA (August 16, 2003) - Services were held Friday afternoon at First
Free Methodist Church for Wayne Balch, who served as choir director at
North Park University (then College) from 1959 through 1966.
Balch, who also served as chair of North Park's Division of Fine Arts
during that time period, died Tuesday (August 12). He had a career in
college and university level teaching and administration for more than
four decades, gaining the respect of students and peers for his talents,
and the love of many because of his enthusiasm.
"Wayne was an energetic guy, always laughing with a good sense of
humor," said longtime friend Charles "Chuck" Olson, director of Career
Planning Services at NPU. "He was a real detail-oriented guy when he was
directing and was also a good organist. I really appreciated his
friendship over the years and it grew even though we were separated by
distance."
After serving at North Park, Balch worked at Seattle Pacific University
(SPU) from 1966-85 as professor of music. He first served as director
for the school's Oratorio Society and for its orchestra. Later, he
became SPU's Director of the School of Music and Director of
Registration and Records. He was professor emeritus at the time of his
death and was living in Seattle with his wife Dorothy, said Olson.
While at SPU, Balch was honored by the Board of Trustees with the
following statement:
"In a lifelong commitment to Christian higher education, Wayne Harwood
Balch, has invested his outstanding organizational skills in a variety
of assignments, settings and institutions. The music program at SPU has
received national recognition through accreditation by the National
Association of Schools of Music during his tenure as Director of the
School of Music; and the numerous committees, task forces and other
projects to which Wayne Balch has given service and leadership have
resulted in improved procedures and methods of operations. A deep
Christian commitment and testimony have always been his hallmark
character trait."
A graduate of Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, in 1942, Balch earned
a master's in music from Chicago's American Conservatory of Music in 1949.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy; and children Candace, Tepke, and
Peter. Condolences can be sent to the family at: 716 W. Etrurea,
Seattle, WA 98119.
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
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