Rev. Edward Jack Balfour

1946-2025

CAPE ELIZABETH--Rev. Edward Jack Balfour, 78, of Cape Elizabeth, Maine passed from this life to everlasting life with his Lord and Savior on April 2, 2025.

Edward, also referred to as Eddie or Pastor, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 11, 1946, to his parents Harry and Eleanor Balfour.  Raised in an orthodox Jewish family, Eddie found his way to Christianity after experiencing the sudden loss of his Uncle Irving, who was like a father to him.

Rev. Balfour was employed in a wide variety of fields prior to attending and graduating from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  While in New Orleans, he worked as a clothing salesman, ship chandler, and in the computer industry.  Rev. Balfour moved with his wife, Marie, and son, Brett, to Vashon Island, Washington where he owned a small accounting practice prior to pursuing his bachelor's degree from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon.  He became the school's first computer director while also being a full-time student.  Upon graduation, the family moved to Indiana while he attended seminary.  After graduating he stayed in Fort Wayne where he was the resident oncology chaplain at Parkview Hospital.

Rev. Balfour's vicarage and first Call were both to New York state, Sayville and Brooklyn, respectively.  From there, he took a call to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Gorham, Maine.  He remained at Redeemer for 20 years, until his retirement.  In addition, he served on the Board of Directors for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as well as traveling the country sharing his story of conversion from Judaism to Christianity.  Rev. Balfour felt and lived his faith deeply, aiming to be an example of what it means to serve the Lord.

In his retirement, he continued to provide pastoral counseling, volunteering at the Maine Community Cancer Center. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife, Marie, and their dogs.  He treasured his time with his son, Brett, and his family.  Nothing brought him more happiness than being with those he loved.

Rev. Balfour is predeceased by his father, Harry, and his mother, Eleanor, who converted to Lutheranism at the age of 92.  He is survived by his wife, Marie (Reed) Balfour, who he deeply cherished.  She was his rock and biggest advocate.  He is also survived by his son, Brett Isaac Balfour, and his wife Heather Balfour.  In addition, Rev. Balfour leaves behind four grandchildren: Isaac, Matthew, Marie, and Irelyn Balfour.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 10th at 11am at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Gorham, ME. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in South Portland, ME.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Gorham, Maine where the Lord's Gospel is preached and heard.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. - John 11:25