This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Balizan, Gonzales Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4614/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Valentin Balizan Jr. 71, of Las Cruces died Sunday, August 08, 2010. Val as he was fondly known was born November 01, 1938 in Las Cruces to Valentin and Aurora Gonzales Balizan Sr. He was retired after many years of faithful service from W.S.M.R. as an Engineering Technician. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, a Charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council #9527 and member of the Moose Lodge #2081. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, camping, bowling, playing pool but his five hobbies were GOLF, GOLF, GOLF, GOLF and GOLF. Val's passion was for his family and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Martha Balizan of the family home; sons Steven P. Balizan and Mark Balizan; daughters Monica Marie Sultana and husband Peter, Minerva Balizan-Diaz and Maurice B. Hesser and husband Brian; brothers Albert Balizan and wife Carla, Patrick Balizan and wife Euna, Ernest Balizan and wife Esperanza and Arthur Balizan; sisters Irene Bailey, Josephine Chavez and Virginia Benavidez. Also surviving Val are his grandchildren Camille, Brian, Celeste, Aaron H., Isaac, Zachariah, Jeremy, Brianna, Mikayla and Andreya. He was preceded in death by his sister Rosina and niece Carlita. A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at Holy Cross Catholic Church where a prayer vigil will follow at 6 pm. Val's funeral mass to celebrate his life is at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 12, 2010 also at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be member s of Val's family. Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home corner of Solano and Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 526-2419. To sign the local online guest book go to www.GetzCares.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on August 10, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.