Bernardino T Balay

Bernardino T. Balay (Danny), 81, passed away at home on April 26, 2025, with his children at his side in Ogden, Utah. Danny reunited with Roxy, his partner in life and death, and is now having coffee together with her in eternity.

Danny was born on April 8, 1944, in Navotas, Metro Manila, Philippines to Leonor Tenorio and Bernardino "Dino" Balay. Danny married his beloved wife Roxana Rosalie Dumuk Balay on July 2, 1966. In 1982, Danny & Roxy decided to immigrate to the United States to provide their family with greater opportunity and settled in Ogden, Utah. They were so proud of their children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments.

Danny earned degrees in business and computer programming from Stevens-Henager College and Weber State College. He worked for the State of Utah as a programmer for 20 years until his retirement in 2006. Danny was an avid reader, singer, guitarist, hunter, and fisherman.

He is survived by his children: Dennis, Mimi, Roxanne (Zach), Mariane (Jeff), & adopted daughter, Anabelle (James); his grandchildren: Meijke, Ashlin, Tomas, Bernardino Hal, Aiden, & Gemma; his brother, Seranor De Jesus (Nade/DJ).

The viewing will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Aaron's Mortuary, 496 24th Street, Ogden. The funeral Mass is on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 514 24th Street, Ogden. At 5 p.m., family and friends are invited to celebrate Danny at St James Church, 495 N Harrison Blvd, Ogden.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Ogden Regional Cancer Treatment Center or Huntsman Cancer Institute.

The following are words from Danny's grandchildren in loving memory of their Lolo.

Meijke Balay:

I have many fond childhood memories of my Lolo, but I especially cherish the recent time I've had with him. I'm grateful to have lived with my Lolo the past two years, after my Lola passed away. In that time, he often said that our roles were reversed: He took care of me as a kid, now I take care of him in his old age; He drove me everywhere, now I drive him everywhere; He bought me my favorite foods, now I get him his favorite foods. The truth is our roles weren’t comparable at all. I could never repay the debt to my Lolo because every virtue, opportunity, and success I have is owed to him in one way or another. This became clear when he took me and my brother to the Philippines earlier this year. When we experienced the places where he and Lola grew up first-hand, my respect for him was redoubled. The many things I take for granted are in fact luxuries that he and my Lola earned for their kids and grandkids through their sacrifice and hard work. I will remember my Lolo as a wise man with advice for any situation, a joyful man with good humor, and a strong man that could weather any storm. I hope I will do justice to his legacy and make him proud.

Ashlin Holbrook:

I have too many fond memories of my Lolo to recount. My earliest memories were going to either Rite-Aid or Stop-n-Shop for donuts and candy, which has (unfortunately) given me a lifelong love of sweets. From a young age, he always supported me and has pushed me to be the best student and person I could be. I am grateful for the sacrifices he made for his family by coming to the U.S. and working hard to establish a life here. It is not lost on me that so much I have in life is thanks to him and his determination, even before I was born. One of the last things I remember him saying to me was, “I’m going to have a lawyer… I must have done something right.” Those words meant a lot to me, and I will always work to make him proud. I feel comfort in knowing how much he loved his grandchildren, and he consistently showed that to us. I recount one time, probably 10 years ago, when my cousins and I were watching TV. Lolo walked by for a moment and simply told us that his grandchildren made his life “feel complete.” I am sad to lose Lolo, but I also feel so much gratitude for the time I got to spend with him, which is what I think he would want.

Mariano Tomas Balay:

I often heard Lolo Danny say “American by choice, not by accident of birth.” I surely would not have the amazing opportunities I have today if it wasn’t for that choice. The things my Lolo taught me are a big part of who I am today. From how to play the guitar, to working on guns together, to eating cheeseburgers and watching old movies; Lolo helped to teach me hard work, and introduced me to my favorite hobbies. I am grateful for the time I got to spend with him and the sacrifices he made for his family. I am proud to be his grandson. My favorite memories of Lolo are from when I would help him with the yard work. One time in particular he was having me edge the grass using a bolo while he sat on a lawn chair on the front porch. I dulled the knife on rocks and soil and he showed me how to put a new edge on it with the bench grinder.

Bernardino Hal Hansen:

One time Lolo took me and my Aiden to Costco. I was given simple directions and $20, and off Aiden & I went. We fulfilled our mission as Lolo was grocery shopping, and returned with two Costco churros! Only apparently we were supposed to get a pizza? I vividly remember Lolo saying "Ay nako!" The three of us returned to the food court to get our pizza, and of course, another churro for Lolo. My Lolo loved that story, and it's one of my earliest memories of him; it's a story I'll continue to tell.

Aiden Holbrook:

Lolo was like another father to me. He helped me grow up into a young man, and I am forever grateful. Over the summer he would help me with math and teach me cursive so my handwriting was legible! We would always get treats together. I remember he would force me to take naps. I didn’t know the value of naps then, but now I know sleep is one of the most valuable things we have. Towards the end of his life, I would always buy him diet coke and food in secret, not letting Auntie Mimi know. Lolo was a huge part of my life, and I hope to tell his stories and pass on his legacy.

Gemma Balay:

My Lolo's soul is one full of laughter, even now over coffee with my Lola. He, to me, is a monument of the simple things I enjoy, the memories I'm able to look back on and smile. That's what he reminded me of and still does: a smile, a song lyric, a hamburger, the sort of things we almost forget we love so dearly. Hearing about his life, his stories that formed him, and getting to spend time with him have made me all the more proud to be part of his legacy. I only hope I will be able to have half the courage he had and just enough of him within me to comfort me through the good, the bad, and the mundane moments, to remind me to love those too. I owe so much of my life now to him and what he gave, and for that I promise to make him proud.