Covenant News

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.

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