Matthew Blair Balko

Tears are falling for a kind heart that has left us with only fond and loving memories.  Matthew Blair Balko, in the early hours of February 11, 2021, passed from this world to a new and gentler place.  Matthew was born on July 31, 1966, and grew up in Trenton Michigan.  After graduation from Trenton High School in 1984, Matt attended Specs Howard School of Broadcasting winning several awards for his work.  Later he earned his plumbers license and worked for Smith Plumbing in Michigan for a number of years until moving to St. George, Utah.  Working for a number of different companies, Matt was credited with the plumbing of the St. George Court House, the Alta Store, several area schools & student housing buildings, and the Dixie Regional Medical Center Buildings, among others.  For the last few years he worked as an Engineer in the Hotel/Casino industry.  Matt had a side-splitting sense of humor, keeping everyone around him chuckling.  He also loved the outdoors and all of God’s creatures, especially dogs & birds.  Once after sharing his sandwich with a roadrunner one day, the roadrunner returned later with a lizard to present to him in return for his kindness.
Matt leaves behind his mother, Marcia Chase, and his stepfather, Ron Chase, of St. George, Utah, his only sister, Alecia, & her dear husband, Thomas Maxey, of Franklin, Michigan, and a brother, Steven Balko, of Tennessee.  He also leaves behind his fiancé, Kristina Melle, her daughter, Kaylee Griffith of Mesquite, Nevada, and also her son, Tyler Norton, of Salt Lake City, Utah.  Matt also leaves behind his loving and devoted dog, Molly.  Preceded in death are his father, Robert Balko, a brother, Brian David, and both maternal & paternal grandparents.  Matt’s wish was to leave his body to science.  A memorial service will be planned at a future date.
The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their Guest Book at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.