Randolph Charles Balok

Randy Balok was born July 16, 1942 in Braddock, Pennsylvania to Vincent B. Balok and Irene O. Beeney. Randy passed away on December 22, 2016 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Randy was preceded in death by his parents and his Brother, Buck Balok. His survivors include his wife Helen whom he met in 1982 and married in 1990, his son Jesse Balok and wife Tarra, grandchildren Emera, Iliana and Bennett. Also by Helen's children Angela Creager, Amy Kee, Andrea Kirchhevel, husband Mike, Tony Creager and wife Heather. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Pasielski, her husband Dan and his brother David Balok and his wife Myra.

Randy graduated from Turtle Creek High School in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania in 1960. He attended Pennsylvania State Forestry School, Mont Alto in 1960. He served in the US Navy from 1961 to 1965. While on the USS Intrepid, Randy was a Petty Officer 3rd class and worked with the sonar helicopter squadron. He attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania for 2 years before moving to Colorado in 1969 where he graduated from Colorado State University in 1973 with a BS in Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation.


From 1971 to 1989, he worked as a ranger at Mount Rushmore National Monument, a manager at Larimer County Parks and as a manager of Horsetooth Reservoir. From 1989 to 1998 he worked for the City of Fort Collins as the manager of Park Planning and Development and Park Planner, Project Inspector. He was the first Park Planner for the city. After retirement, he worked part time at a greenhouse and at Lory State Park.
He was a member of the Jaycees, Colorado Parks and Recreation Association, and the American Legion Post 4, Laporte Colorado. He was a Registered Park Planner and Certified Leisure Professional. He enjoyed family time, fishing, guy trips, gardening, maps, weather maps, music, playing harmonica around the campfire, his dogs, and Laughlin casinos. He enjoyed spending time at the American Legion where he helped map the license plates from other posts.


Randy is also survived by step-grandchildren Alex, Collin, Avery, Maxwell, Elliette, Alexa, Brayden, Devan, Kayleigh and Kian as well as several nieces and nephews.


Randy's burial prayer service will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 28 at Bohlender Funeral Chapel followed by interment with full military honors at Grandview Cemetery.