WALLY - IN MEMORIAM
Tournament Report
May 19, 2019Our Friend WallyBrockton, MA
We have lost a great friend and a great fisherman. Walter "Wally" Balchunas passed away Friday, May 17 2019 of a sudden heart attack. There are no words that can express our sadness at losing our friend and the depth of our sympathy for his wife and family. But, we will remember him for what he was; a great fisherman, a giving and caring individual who was always willing to help his friends, and just a fun guy to be around. Whether he had a tough tournament or landed a first-place trophy, Wally was all smiles and truly just loved being out on the water competing. If there was a "nicest guy in the club" award, Wally would have won it every year, hands down. He was genuinely liked and respected by everyone he met, which is rare (especially in bass fishing).
As anyone who has fished (or worked) with him knows, Wally was meticulous and methodical in everything he did. He treated his tackle, boat, and truck with the utmost care, not hesitating to take his Ranger to a fiberglass expert to fix a scratch that most of us wouldn't even notice. He once told a story about being questioned by an electrician as to why wiring inside a wall had to be run straight and neat if it's never going to be seen. Wally told him "because that's the right way to do it." In work, fishing, and life, that was Wally; if you're going to do something, do it right.
He turned himself into an expert with the drop shot through years of practice and used that expertise to win tournaments not only in our club but also on the Mass Bass Team Trail. Despite his success, Wally was always humble and always willing to share his knowledge to help others become better fisherman.
There is no way in just a few paragraphs to sum up all that Wally brought to the lives of those around him. He was a genuinely good person, a great fisherman, and a great friend. He will be missed terribly and remembered fondly by us all.
Services for Wally will be held at the Waitt Funeral Home. Following cremation, all are welcome to his memorial calling hours on Wednesday, May 22, 4-8 p.m. at Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St., Brockton. Private committal.
Instead of flowers his family would like donations to be made to the Massachusetts Bass Federation in his name for the Federation Youth Program. On the note line please put Wally Balchunas.
Send to:
Bob Rivet
Massachusetts Bass Federation
637 Church Street
Southshore Bassmasters