Francis 'John' Balnaves

Francis John Balnaves was beloved to wife Joyce, father Edward and mother Jane, brothers Ted, Bill and Peter, sons Paul, Charles, Mark and Edmund, daughters-in-law Sue, Tanya, Selena and Jenny as well as to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all the family. John was born 8th June 1926 in London, England and died peacefully on 17th May 2017 cherished by all who knew him. He was classically educated. He practiced and taught librarianship, was a President of the Australian Library and Information Association, and library practitioners still sing his praises as an inspirational teacher at the Canberra College of Advanced Education. His doctoral work at the ANU, undertaken in his late 60s, inspired a small but international community of medieval researchers. He always said that his finest accomplishment was marrying Joyce (nee Joyce Elvira Weiland), whom he met when they were both studying at Birkbeck College London. He was, with Joyce, a quietly devout catholic with a liberal and compassionate approach to all and unassuming support to many in need. His children Paul, Charles, Mark and Edmund have all been inspired by a love of books, the arts and history. When John retired at 54 years old he devoted himself as a loving grandfather to active minding and nurturing of his grandchildren in Canberra. He supported in very practical ways Joyce’s commitment to and involvement with the Catholic Women’s League and the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations. He became an enthusiastic gardener and housekeeper. John had a happy 15 years at the Cardinal Freeman village in Sydney, where he actively promoted the interests of the residents and supported those around him. In his final year he was held in much affection by the staff at BUPA Clemton Park. He will be greatly missed but goes very willingly to his final rest in his firm trust in the resurrection and reunion with his beloved Joyce.