Ernest Balizan

Ernest Balizan, a loving husband, amazing and treasured father, doting grandfather, caring son & brother, and considerate friend was called home to be with the Lord on the afternoon of August 25th, 2016, in his home surrounded by his loving family. "Ernie" as he was affectionately known was born on July 9th, 1953 in Las Cruces, NM to Josephine & Valentin Balizan and lived his entire life in the beautiful Mesilla Valley. He had an active lifestyle, enjoyed being outdoors, on his bike, caring for his pecan orchard and traveling with his family to San Diego each summer. He was a devoted and adoring husband to Espy and an entertaining and loving father to their three children, Daniel, Sarah and Rebecca. Ernie and Espy were married on November 25th, 1978, at St. Genevieve's Catholic Church in Las Cruces and were married for 37 years. As those that knew him can attest, Ernie had a strong love of the Lord, unshakeable faith, fully relying on and trusting God through every circumstance. Ernie and Espy raised their 3 children to share their strong faith and love of God, cultivation of pecans and the land. He worked to make sure his children shared his love for education, successfully encouraging each of his children to complete both a bachelors and masters degree. He also maintained a childish heart and created special moments of laughter and joking throughout all the days of his children and grandchildren's lives. Ernie graduated from New Mexico State University in 1974 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and went on to be a passionate and dedicated civil servant at White Sands Missile Range. After 41 years of service, Ernie happily retired July 31, 2015. His love of learning and technology did not retire when he left the workforce and he continued to thrive on the new developing technology and keeping himself and his wife up to date in the latest tech-gadgets. Ernie was preceded in death by his cherished mother, Josephine Balizan, his father Valentin Balizan, his father-in law Rudy Martinez, mother-in law Erminda Martinez and brother Valentin Balizan Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Esperanza, his children Daniel (Miranda) Balizan their two daughters, Lillian and Emma; daughter Sarah Balizan; daughter Rebecca (Nathan) Hooven; brothers Albert (Carla) Balizan, Patrick (Euna) Balizan and Arthur Balizan; sisters Irene Bailey, Josephine (Tom)Chavez-Deason, Linda Barrios Dupras (Chris) and Virginia Balizan Smith; sister-in law Martha Balizan; many nieces and nephews and Ernie and Espy's doggy, Noel. Ernie truly enjoyed life, cherishing every moment he had with his family and grandkids, never missing a soccer practice or a gymnastics recital. He constantly looked towards the positive side of a situation, teaching, his family that it's the little moments that count. His faith, strength, gratitude, generosity, compassion, his love of the land and pecans and his ability to reach out and touch others lives will never be forgotten and the love we have for him as the rock of our family will be missed everyday. "None of us know the dates for the time we'll serve here on earth, we all know it's not forever. But the ability to live those days with love, family, and joy is something within our reach and something to strive for. Our father has far exceeded that challenge and set a high standard. He's always been our personal hero, has served our family with guidance, strength, stability, love and always unwavering faith before and through cancer treatments. 2nd Corinthians 4:16-19, Therefore we do not lose heart…So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." The Balizan family would like to invite all to join in Ernie's Celebration of Life with visitation and reflections beginning at 5:30p.m. Thursday, September 1 at Getz Funeral Home. Celebration of life service will be held on Friday, September 2, at Getz Funeral Home at 10:30 am. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. Pallbearers will be Patrick Balizan, Arthur Balizan, Charles Boldine, Cynthia Tafoya, Manny Ferran and Andy Quintana. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Moody Bible Institute, New Mexico State University - Engineering College, or Daily Audio Bible. PDF Printable Version