Donald (Donnie) Curtis Balcom
Donald (Donnie) Curtis Balcom lived a life defined by adventure, intelligence, integrity, curiosity, compassion, loyalty, generosity, and an extraordinary work ethic. A perfectionist by nature, Don was a devoted friend, a proud veteran, and a highly respected healthcare professional whose career spanned more than 51 years.
Don was born on September 30, 1943, in Glendale, California, to Curtis William Balcom and Zeta Ruth Robbins Balcom. An only child, he was raised in Herlong, California, where he attended elementary, middle, and high school, graduating in 1961. Don’s paternal grandmother Effie Dean Balcom, Effie’s mother Emily Cerina Wright Dean, and Emily’s parents; Simeon Wright and Emeline Arnold Wright; were Wilbur and Orville Wright Brothers paternal grandparents.
Soon after graduation, Don began working at Safeway before proudly enlisting in the United States Navy on January 19, 1962. In 1963, he served aboard the USS Mauna Kea (AE-22) FPO-SF/CA. On June 25, 1964, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Hospital Corps School (Class A) in San Diego, California. He went on to serve as a senior medic in the neurological ward at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Oakland, where he was responsible for staff supervision and teaching, total patient care, and inventory management. Don continued his service in the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1966 until January 18, 1968, again serving as a senior medic and Licensed Vocational Nurse in the neurological ward in Oakland prior to his final discharge.
In May 1966, Don also worked as an orderly at El Camino Hospital in San Jose, California where his performance consistently exceeded standards. In 1974, he joined Washington Hospital in Fremont, California, as a dialysis technician. His dedication to excellence led him to earn his hemodialysis technician certification in 1977 through the Board of Nephrology Examiners for Nursing and Technology.
In 1982, Don joined Satellite Healthcare in Modesto, California. Coming from the Bay Area, he was already well known and highly respected within the dialysis community. Don became Satellite Healthcare’s third Chief Technician and was widely recognized for his innovation, boundless imagination, wisdom, and natural ability to mentor others. Drawing on his leadership experience from the U.S. Naval Hospital in Oakland, he held several leadership roles at Satellite Healthcare over the next three decades. Don retired in June 2015 as Regional Director for Technical Services—a milestone that was especially difficult for him given his deep commitment to his work, patients, and colleagues.
Don began attending First Baptist Church (now CrossPoint) in the 1980s, where he was baptized and recommitted his life to the Lord, whom he considered his first love. He joyfully served by helping with Sunday School and remained actively involved in the church community.
Outside of his professional life, Don embraced an active lifestyle. He was an avid skier and had a passion for baseball, fishing, hunting, and cycling. Always classy and well dressed, Don was known for his kindness, respect, and genuine care for everyone he encountered. He loved challenges and innovation, often designing and building equipment himself when it was not available to purchase.
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Donald Curtis Balcom, who passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side on December 22, 2025, at his home in Turlock, California, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Don had a remarkable gift for finding beauty in the everyday, making people feel seen, and honoring their unique perspectives. His unwavering loyalty touched countless lives. While our hearts ache, we celebrate the incredible life he lived and the enduring legacy of love he leaves behind. His life stands as a testament to dedication, service, and the profound impact one person can have on others. Don lived life to the fullest, inspiring those around him to push boundaries, pursue their dreams, and care deeply for one another.
Don is survived by his beloved furry companion of 13 years, Bella; two children; three grandchildren; two cousins; and his soulmate, caregiver, colleague, and best friend, confidante of 40 years, Susie Soares-Phillips. He was preceded in death by one son, as well as his parents and grandparents.
A celebration of Donnie’s vibrant life will be held at Allen Mortuary 247 N. Broadway, Turlock, California on January 14, 2026, from 10-12pm.
A dignified burial will follow to San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery 32052 McCabe Road, Santa Nella, California at 1:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an Alzheimer’s and dementia support group at 700 McHenry Avenue, Modesto, California 95350.
Leave a Condolence