In Memoriam: George Balzer 1915-2006
I knew George Balzer for almost 20 years, and greatly appreciated the time he
spent sharing his memories of working with Jack. I had the pleasure of
being a guest in his home, and I took a photo of him with his two Emmy Awards
from the Benny show. George passed away quietly on the morning of
Thursday,
September 28 at the age of 91.
George often asked me why I do what I do with the IJBFC. The last time I spoke with him was earlier this year, and he brought it up again. He said, "The thing that none of us can understand is why you work so hard at perpetuating these things we did so long ago. Why do you do it?"
I said, "Because you helped create something worth preserving. And we want to keep it around so people can continue to enjoy it."
It meant a great deal to me personally to be able to say that to someone who helped create so many of the shows that we all love. When I first started the IJBFC, I would write in all the introductory and welcome letters that, "It is said that no one is ever dead until they are forgotten."
George, you're going to be around for a very long time.
Donations in George Balzer's memory may be sent to the Motion Picture and Television Fund, 22212 Ventura Blvd., Suite 300, Woodland Hills, Calif., 91364.