The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Lifelong Cathlamet resident Jonathan Lewis Balch, 25, passed away on March 22 at a Vancouver Hospital. Jonathan was born on October 1, 1987 in Longview to Michael and Darlene (Hagedorn) Balch. He graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 2006. In 2012 he received a degree as a Medical Assistant from Concord Career College in Portland. He was a loving, caring young man who had a passion for sports and the medical field. He enjoyed helping people and loving his family and friends. Coaching youth sports brought him great joy. On July 13, 2011 he married Brittney Burke of Longview. He was a recent member of Cathlamet Emergency Medical Services. He was a lifelong member of River of Life Assembly of God Church and had received The Gold Medal Of Achievement in the Church’s Royal Ranger Program.

Jonathan is survived by his wife, Brittney Balch, a daughter Kamryn Balch, a son Austin Goodnight Balch, his parents Mike and Darlene Balch, a brother Christopher Balch, his mother and father-in-law, Cindy and Jim Burke, Grandparents Donna Stansberry, and Herbert and Sande Balch. Jonathan also leaves behind a large extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandma, Nynah Balch, grandpa, Lewis Hagedorn and a cousin, Autumn Balch.

Viewing will take place at Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park on Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Celebration of Jonathan’s Life will be held at JA Wendt Elementary School Multi-purpose Room in Cathlamet on Saturday at 2 p.m. Casual dress is appreciated. There will be a private inurnment at Greenwood Cemetery in Cathlamet. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jonathan’s name to Cathlamet First Aid Division, P.O. Box 142 Cathlamet, WA 98612. Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.