Obituary

Brian, age 74, of Goodyear, AZ, formerly of Ann Arbor, MI, passed away at Hospice of the Valley, Surprise, AZ on December 18. He was born in Northampton, PA to Henry P. and Marian (Kern) Balliet. Brian received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University in 1968, where he was a member of the football team and the Theta Delta Chi fraternity. While growing up in Slatington, PA, he enjoyed hunting with his father and fishing with his childhood friend Bill, as well as his son, Jon. However, his true passion was his lifelong love of sports and dedication to fair play for all. Baseball, basketball, but especially football. Brian coached various sporting teams for the neighborhood kids in the Ann Arbor Recreation League, where he had a long-standing impact on those who learned from him. He carried that passion beyond his years of playing high school and college football to his love of officiating many different sports. He officiated football at the youth and high school levels but went on to officiate as an Umpire in the Mid-American Conference, Big 10 and on to the NFL, retiring in 2003. Always dedicated to the development side of the sport, Brian helped organize and run Officiating Clinics all over the world, working with young officials on technique in areas where the sport of football was just breaking through. He worked with officials and in games in Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, and even China. He will be sorely missed by his many officiating friends across the globe. Mentor. Coach. Brother. Father. Friend. Brian’s absence will be felt by many. In addition to his family, he leaves behind many dear friends in the BFB Group, as well as the Pebble Creek community, particularly the Billiards Club and various card clubs.
Brian is survived by two sons: B. Jonathan (Ann) of Evergreen, CO and Christopher (Angela) of Holland, MI, as well as his sister, Suzanne, of Ann Arbor, MI. Brian was preceded in death by his parents.
Per his request, there will be no funeral service.
Donations, per his request, may be made to:
Lehigh General Athletics Partnership in memory of Brian K. Balliet ‘68, giving.lehigh.edu
Northern Lehigh High School Athletics; Go Fund Me page; https://gofund.me/0baa3ff3
The Salvation Army
Or, the family asks that you remember him in your own special way or by making a donation to your favorite charity.
A small memorial service will be planned for the Spring of 2022 in Ann Arbor, MI.