| Graduation Year | Class of 1976 |
| Date of Passing | Dec 20, 2018 |
| About | Monte Dean Balam sadly left us on December 20, 2018, when he suffered a sudden heart attack in Houston, Texas. Monte was born in Spokane, Washington on May 14, 1958. He moved with his family to Yakima, Washington and attended Gilbert Elementary, Wilson Middle School, and Eisenhower High School. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1981, with a degree in Chemical Engineering. After graduation, he moved to Houston that year and began a career with Shell Oil Co. Except for a three year assignment in Anacortes, Washington, Monte’s home was in Houston. He was an avid Rockets fan and season ticket holder. Later, Monte earned Microsoft Certifications and was contracted by AT&T and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to provide technical support. In 2000, he founded a software development company, Sehale Systems, that designed and implemented business solutions for clients. Monte cooked at Sambo’s Restaurant while in high school and began a life-long interest in food preparation. He created healthy meals to share and planned to grow the fresh foods needed to operate his own food truck. Monte loved being outdoors, hiking, biking, and walking his dogs. One of his favorite activities was hosting friends at his lake property to water ski and enjoy a barbecue. Monte perfected his skiing so he could ski barefoot. He taught friends to water ski, but discovered, after repeated attempts, his parents’ best place was “in the boat.” Monte’s neighborhood mourns the loss of a valued friend who was always willing to help others. Their kids grew up with Monte fixing their bikes, enjoying many bike rides and family activities. Monte is preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Daniel and Janice Balam, his grandparents, and his loyal, loving Labrador Retriever of fifteen years, Sehale. He is survived by his mother and step-father, Esta and Kris Petersen of Yakima, his brothers Mitch Balam (Kari) and Darren Balam (Sherri) of Yakima, his sister Heather Hadfield (Scott) of Bellingham, and many nieces and nephews. He is deeply missed by all his family and friends and his faithful dogs, Kayous and Kitty. These two special pets are now living in Yakima with his niece. The family suggests donations to honor Monte may be sent to the American Heart Association or your favorite animal shelter. Monte lovingly fostered abused and abandoned dogs. A celebration of Monte’s life will be held in Houston and Yakima at a later date. |
