Michael Kevin Balis

MICHAEL KEVIN BALIS entered this life on October 20, 1961 in Baltimore, Maryland. He departed this life on November 7, 2012 after a lengthy illness. Mike was born to the late Ruth Balis and Lassiter Basket. His early years were spent growing up in West Baltimore where he attended Abraham Lincoln Elementary, Harlem Park Junior High and Carver Vocational Technical High Schools. In high school, Mike’s trade major was dry cleaning and being a sports enthusiast, he excelled in high school football; as he became the very popular “Teddy Bear” among his classmates. School also gave him the opportunity to showcase his singing. He enjoyed singing the classic R&B love songs. Upon graduation, Mike’s teacher hired him to work at his dry cleaners before joining the military for a brief period. Upon discharge he pursued a career in the field of auto mechanics. Some of his former employers include Russell Toyota, Pep Boys and Standard Auto Parts. It was at Standard Auto Parts that Michael found his niche many years ago. Being a people person, Mike loved interacting with the customers, who many became his friends. Whether he was on or off the job, Mike was always ready to discuss your car problems, explain the problem, and find a solution to your automotive repair needs. He always said, “I just love what I do”, so much so that most of his casual attire carried the Standard Auto Parts label. Being a former mechanic and instructor himself, Mike suggested that Standard work with Westside skill Center to develop a student internship program. Over the past two years, about 8 students have been able to participate in the program. Mike actively worked in the store as an Assistant Manager until the end of 2011, when he became disabled. But he was still the guy to see fir advise when you had car problems and he still wore his Standard Auto Parts shirts. Mike loved family, loved cooking, and loved eating out. He was the grill master on the deck and a top chef in the kitchen. He used so many pots whenever he cooked that his wife would call him “Tu-Pots”. He loved spending time with his grandkids, watching and collecting movies, comic books, model cars, and sports figurines. Michael leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Alvette Chase; his father, Pastor Lassiter Basket; three daughters, Kenya Balis Scales (Lauren), Stephanie Jones, and Pamela Balis; three step-children, John Carr, Anton Johnson and Gevette Branch-Diedhiou (Assane); 6 grandchildren; 1 brother, Dell Balis, Sr., (brother Jerome Monroe, Sr. preceded him in death); 1 god-daughter, Shemaka McNeil; 5 sisters-in-law, Lureguis Paige (Bruce), Selmar Chambers, Shirley Chase, Anna Mae Monroe and Annie Balis; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends (old & new), and all of the many people who were touched by his love and friendship.

Tributes

Michael Kevin Balis

October 20, 1961 - November 7, 2012