- Date Of Birth: March 20, 1921
- Date Of Death: February 8, 2014
- State: West Virginia
Robert Stanley Balhatchet, 92, of Clarksburg, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the Veteran’s Hospital following a lengthy illness, accompanied by family and his beloved dog, “Buck”.
A native of Chicago, IL, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Balhatchet, and his son, Robert Balhatchet Jr. of San Francisco, CA. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Balhatchet Talkington of Bridgeport.
Survivors include his three daughters: Stephanie Scott of Bridgeport, Elizabeth Ager of Richmond, VA and Jane Bowlin of Bowling Green, KY: his three stepchildren, Sharon Iskra (Alan) of Morgantown, Cathy (John) Shaffer of Fairmont and Frank Toth (Kay) of Grafton. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Jody Blake and Brian Blake of Bowling Green, KY; Ashley Ager and Brett Ager of Girdwood, Alaska, Jessica Scott and her partner Melody Meadows of Elkins, Anna Bitonti and husband Scott of Falling Waters, Rosie Wilson and husband Brandon of Clarksburg and Shane Balhatchet and wife Melanie of Spanish Fort, Alabama. He is also survived by six step grandchildren: Tiffany Ahlers (Dave), Lori Miller, Kelly Henderson (Tim), Krista Toth, Cole Toth and Kara Toth. Also, eight great- grandchildren and six step great- grandchildren.
A veteran, Bob served his country in the Navy during World War II. He attended both business and art school in the Chicago area and was a court reporter both in Illinois and West Virginia, retiring from the City of Clarksburg some 20 years ago. In his 70s, he took a position as the outdoor sports writer for the Clarksburg Daily Exponent. Writing on everything from hunting and fishing to dogs and horses, Bob remained active in all manner of outdoor activities well into his 80s.
During his lifetime he achieved a third degree black belt in judo and passed on his love of this sport at his own judo school. Never without a dog, he also trained them and horses at his Sardis farm. He hunted both with rifles and bow and arrow and at one time produced his own arrows. His best known catch was a wild boar, whose head still adorns a basement wall. An avid reader, he also loved to sing and both appeared and directed in productions ranging from Hull House in Chicago to stages in Bridgeport, Charleston and Clarksburg. Bob also loved canoeing and kayaking and was founder of the West Virginia Wild Water Association. Tennis was a lifelong pastime, which was passed along to each of his children and many of his grandchildren. His lessons and critiques of their games will always be remembered.
