Donald Balderston

Don Balderston, 88, of Colora Maryland, died January 10, 2012, at home. Beloved husband of Jane Martenis Balderston; father of daughter, Donna Balderston Kaiser and husband Donald of San Diego, CA, grandson David Kaiser, his wife Kate and their two children, and granddaughter Sarah Kaiser; and son Stephen L. Balderston and wife Cecilia of Colora, MD, and granddaughters Emily and Lauren Balderston.

Don was born on May 13, 1923 in Colora, Maryland and was a lifelong resident. He graduated from West Nottingham Academy in Colora and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Economics from University of Maryland, College Park.

Don farmed with his cousin Lloyd Balderston and purchased Colora Farm from him in 1968. In 1983, Don and Steve worked closely together to re-engineer the farm from a dairy farm to a fresh fruit market now known as Colora Orchards.

He was a member of West Nottingham Presbyterian Church. In 1971, with his wife Jane, Don was invited to visit Russia and other European countries on the People-to-People Eisenhower Goodwill Mission to address agricultural issues affected by the Iron Curtain.

Don served as a trustee for many organizations including Cecil Community College, West Nottingham Presbyterian Church, and Colora Friends Meeting House. He served on the Agway board, Maryland Farm Bureau, Maryland Agricultural Commission, and as President of the Cecil County Farm Bureau. In 1986, he was awarded Farmer of the Year by the Cecil County Farm Bureau.

The Balderston family welcomes all of our family and friends to share their thoughts, stories or memories of Donald in writing to the family or funeral home so we will have a lasting record of Donald’s life: his successes, achievement, personality and character. This will enable us to have a lasting remembrance that can be passed on to our future generations.

Services will be held on January 20, 2012, 11:00 am at West Nottingham Presbyterian Church, Colora, Maryland, where friends and family may call one hour prior. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to West Nottingham Presbyterian, c/o R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 111 S. Queen St., Rising Sun, MD 21911.