“Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings…” Excerpted from HIGH FLIGHT by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
Rockwell Melville George Balsom slipped away on March 31, 2026 at Albert O’Mahoney Memorial Manor, Clarenville, after a life of biblical duration: three score and ten. Rockwell, or more familiarly Rock or Rocky, has indeed departed this earthly realm on his final flight to his eternity in the cosmos. Rocky was the youngest child of William H. Balsom and Effie J. Balsom, born at Come By Chance on January 18, 1956. A graduate of Horwood High, he pursued post-secondary studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Queens University, Kingston, ON. During his early years after graduation, he was employed in municipal planning, by the St John’s Metropolitan Board and the City of St. John’s. He also worked casually in the St. John’s night club scene, often as a bartender. He was known to have a style and presence that was his own, and he surely enjoyed the downtown night life. Rocky began his grand scale adventures with a new employment direction. He embarked on a world tour of sorts, supported by teaching jobs in many exotic and sometimes less exotic locations. His first teaching job enabled him to learn about and sample the lifestyle and culture of South Korea. He went next to the Hidden Kingdom which we know today as China. After employment in a number of different cities and extensive personal travel in Asia and Africa, Rocky looked closely at other destinations in Africa and the Middle East. His final employment took him again to Asia, this time to Mandalay, Myanmar. His service in Myanmar was cut short by the COVID pandemic, and he returned to what he called affectionately “the homeland”, the cove in Trinity Bay. After a medical diagnosis identifying critical neurological issues, Rocky was placed at the O’Mahoney Manor in Clarenville. His time at the Manor beginning in Fall 2024 was sometimes tumultuous and difficult but in spite of himself, he was both well cared for and liked by staff at the Manor. They served him well, even when he was difficult. And now, he has left us all forever… Many people touched Rocky’s life as did he touch many. His special friend, Wendy Mugford, aided and abetted him in his great adventures and sometimes accompanied him as well. Tracey-Lee helped him get out of travel crises here and there as needed. And his Favourite Nephew, Edgar Balsom, was an anchor to him in his daily life, upon his return to reside in Clarenville. During his stay at G B Cross Memorial Hospital, prior to his transfer to O’Mahoney Manor, Rocky was generally a usual and respected part of daily life there. A life is not a life without affecting many, sometimes obviously sometimes unknowingly. Go well into that dark night brave soul. Do I hear music? Is that Queen? What is that tune! It’s “Another one bites the dust”.
As per Rocky’s wishes, cremation is planned and there will be no service to follow. Donations in Rocky’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army Community Church, Clarenville, NL A5A 4C4.
Condolences(21)-
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Eric Collier says
April 2, 2026 at 8:31 pmVery sorry to hear the news of Rocky’s death. My deepest condolences to his friends and family. I hadn’t seen Rocky in many years, though I spent a lot of time with him in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Rocky was a very decent person, kind, funny, and with high regard for others. He’ll definitely be missed and I’m grateful to have had him as a part of my life.
Warren & Betty Cole says
April 3, 2026 at 8:09 pmSincere condolences to Rocky’s family. At the Dr. O’Mahoney Center a couple months ago, I re-introduced myself as his old high school math teacher. We had a short but pleasant little chat.
Bob Keel says
April 2, 2026 at 10:06 pmI didn’t know Rocky was here in clarenville Newfoundland I went too school with him years ago I left long ago retired 8 years ago list a lot off friends so sorry for the familys loss rest buddy
Ken O'Brien says
April 3, 2026 at 12:42 amI only met Rocky a few times, as I started as a planner at City Hall after he left. I’d heard his name as we both attended the same planning school in Ontario; I believe he was the first Newfoundlander to study planning at Queen’s. He was adventurous and well travelled. Condolences to his family and friends.
Wayne says
April 3, 2026 at 10:59 pmSorry to hear of Rocky’s passing condolences to family and friends
Carolyn avery says
April 3, 2026 at 3:12 amRIP Rocky it was a pleasure knowing you i enjoyed our talks when you could may you rest in peace
Geralyn Lynch says
April 6, 2026 at 11:56 amMy deepest condolences to Rocky’s family. Rock and I attended grade school together at Queens. He was very intelligent, kind and funny. He called me by my last name, Lynch. We were the only Newfoundlanders at the university so we stuck together like glue; sharing cigarettes and any parcel of goodies from home. I haven’t seen Rocky in years and it’s very sad to hear this news. God speed old friend.
Joy pinsent says
April 3, 2026 at 10:35 amI remember Rocky well from our school days. And all pleasant memories. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family.
Jennifer Dalley says
April 3, 2026 at 1:24 pmI was so sad to hear of Rockwell’s passing. We have remained friends since 1974 when I first met him in Bowater House as a friend of a friend. I can still see him bopping down the hall with his BIG hair bopping along with his step.
He was to me, a dear friend, that time apart didn’t change. He never failed to come by after a return from wherever the work took him….always bearing gifts from masks to dishes or whatever. He and another dear friend worked the bar at our wedding….certainly not the only bar he served me from.
He had a huge hug that remained even after he moved into the home and along with that came his chuckle…the one he always greeted me with and I will always remember. His vast knowledge and sarcastic wit were legendary.
So many wonderful memories have come back since he passed away and all of them have made me smile even in sadness.
I hope before he passed he could hear Roxy Music on bust! It would be fitting.
Eric Collier says
April 5, 2026 at 1:23 amBeautiful memories, spanning more than 50 years ❤️
Clayton Collier says
April 12, 2026 at 12:41 pmEric, though we haven’t met, I , too, have such wonderful memories of Rocky. My condolences go out to his family as well. So sad and emotional to lose such a nice person!
Beverley Smith says
April 3, 2026 at 6:31 pmSo sorry to hear of Rockys passing. Condolences to the family. RIP
Nicole Short & Steve Cook says
April 3, 2026 at 9:20 pmRocky’s room was next to my mom’s at the manor. He always seemed concerned about her well-being and seemed he always checked in to see if she was okay. He even let me know one day that our 8 year old daughter walked (by herself which we allowed) up towards the nursing station. He was trying to keep her safe. Such a sweet man. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family and friends ❤️
Roy Langer says
April 3, 2026 at 11:39 pmOh my so sad to hear of Rock’s Passing. My mind goes back to our youth and years of growing up.
May he be at Peace and may each one of you as family feel my deepest sympathies.
Tom West says
April 4, 2026 at 9:01 amMy condolences to the family and friends of Rocky I remember him from our school days so many years ago. Go rest in peace, may God be with you.
Bryan Durant says
April 4, 2026 at 12:44 pmSad to hear about this, condolences to all the family, he was great guy!
Paul Boundridge says
April 6, 2026 at 1:02 pmRocky and I were colleagues at the City of St. John’s Planning Department. He was a good person to work with- intelligent and witty – and I believe, a friend.
RIP, Rocky. You left us too early. Condolences to Family.
Jean Curtis says
April 6, 2026 at 2:53 pmI am saddened to hear of Rocky’s passing. I met him through friends and spent many an hour and night at his house on Prrscott St. We then became co-workers when I started work with the City of St. John’s. He always had a smile for me. For those that know him, you know the smile I’m talking about, it could light up a room! His wit and humor were unmatched. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace my friend!
Margaret Donovan says
April 7, 2026 at 11:08 amRocky was a coworker and friend from our City Hall Planning Dept days and he was very supportive of me as I “learned the ropes” in what some called the UN of City Hall. His scarstic witt has been mentioned and I was a witneess and echo it. I followed Rocky’s travel tradventures through our mutual friend Wendy. I don’t think it’s been mentioned but I also know Rocky lent his talents to many a reno project. A lifelong learner and true free spirit.
Ivy says
April 12, 2026 at 8:17 pmSo sorry about Rocky’s passing.loved Rocky.He was so funny..went to school with his brother Joey…But hung out with Rocky too.loved him .And my mom went to HOME LEAGUE with his mom Effie…love to the family…IVY JACOBS….
Michael Schaf says
April 16, 2026 at 3:47 pmRocky, how very sad, that you are gone. I remember when we met at the Planning School at Queen‘s in 1982. I was able to get a room for you at the same house, where I stayed for 20 $ per week. We soon became friends.
Later I was visiting you seceral times in St. John‘s, stayed at your house, and met many of your friends – and you had a lot of them.
For your friends, your were definitely more than a friend. With your great heart, your hospitality, your generosity you supported all of them with all you had. Even if you had little yourself, you shared it. You were unique in many ways. A great person.
These quotes were typically you:
– „be productive“ you always said at the beginning of the university days.
– „not half half bad“ you answered, when asked, how you were doing
– „no sweat“ you responded to a thank you.
– „excuse me“ you said after a sneeze, nobody had even heard.
Too many years I haven‘t seen you, even though I would have loved to. Now it‘s too late – at least in this life.
Farewell Rocky
Your friend Michael
from Berlin, Germany
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