Obituary of Harve Larry Balbi

Harve Larry Balbi (78) resident of St. Maries, Idaho passed away at his home on July 25, 2018.  He was born on May 4, 1940 to Frank and Pearl Balbi in Dillon, MT.  Harve grew up in Butte, MT attending school there.  He enlisted into the US Navy at the age of 16.  His mother fibbed about his age so he could go.  He served 2 years and returned home for 2 weeks before re-enlisting into the US Army.  He served in the Army for 2 years and obtained his GED. 

Harve met Claudia Treloar on a blind date with friends.  They married on August 31, 1963 in Walkerville, MT and started a family.  Harve held several jobs including working for the railroad, as a mechanic, and Pacific Hyde and Fur.  In 1968 the family moved to St. Maries, ID when Harve acquired a job at Potlatch Corp.  He worked as a Dryer Grader shortly before becoming a Mechanic.  He was a mechanic for 24 years and then became an Electrician.  He spent 37 years at Potlatch before retiring in 2005.  He also served in the Washington State Air National Guard for 24 years. 

In his retirement he stayed very busy.  He ran his business Harvey’s Refrigeration, and was a member of the Elks, Eagles, American Legion, and the Senior Center.  He stayed very active in all organizations.  He also enjoyed camping, 4-wheeling, reading, hunting, fishing, and loved to putter in his shop. He was a man of many words and enjoyed publicly speaking.  He will be missed.

Harve is survived by his children Debbie (Tony) Krupp of St. Maries, ID, Susie (Jeff) Hickman of Post Falls, ID, and Mike (Kim) Balbi of St. Maries, ID; sister Elsie Yates of Butte, MT.  Also surviving are 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his siblings Dave, Bob Evelyn, Mary, and Norma.

Interment is planned for Friday, August 17, 2018 at 11:00 am at Woodlawn Cemetery in St. Maries, ID with military honors presented by American Legion Post 25. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 pm at the Eagles Lodge in St. Maries, ID.