Geoffrey Balkam

Geoffrey Edward Balkam, age 57, Superintendent of Climax-Scotts Schools, passed away on Monday May 18, 2009. Geoff was a resident of Vicksburg, Michigan and is survived by his wife Renee Balkam. Geoff was the son of the late Vincent and Patricia Smith Balkam. He was also preceded in death by his brother Greg with whom Geoff traveled the world. Geoff is also survived by his step-children Kevin Seay (Blythe), Suzanne Morgan (Clint), Aaron Seay (Misty) and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Rochelle Balkam (James Owens) and Alexis Dean, niece Dana Zahn, and nephews Christopher Zahn (Kimberly) and Zach Dean (Brandy). Geoff was born November 28, 1951 in Great Falls, Montana to a military family and lived in many states within the US as well as in Turkey. Geoff received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Central Michigan University and a Doctor of Education degree from Western Michigan University. He worked in the educational field in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, North Carolina and Michigan. Geoff was very active in Rotary International in Climax where he had previously served as President and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also on the Executive Board for the Michigan Association of School Administration; the Alumni Society Board for Western Michigan University’s College of Education and served as a Region 7 President for Michigan Association of School Administration. Geoff took great pride in his school district and his focus was on the best education possible for all students. Geoff loved watching his Panthers in all activities. He also enjoyed his horses and riding his Harley. A celebration of Geoff’s life will be held on Tuesday May 26, 2009 at 2 p.m. in the Climax-Scotts gymnasium. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Shriners Hospital For Children: 950 West Saris Road Greenville, SC 29605 (864) 271-3444 and donations are also accepted on their website at: http://www.shrinershq.org/ or donations can be made to the Climax-Scotts Technology Fund: 372 South Main Street Climax, Michigan 49034 (269) 746-2400. Please visit Geoff’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you archive a memory or photograph, sign his guestbook or obtain further information about the memorial donations listed above. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Homes Vicksburg, 409 S. Main St. (649-1697)