Asen Balakchiev

April 2, 1946 - November 18, 2018

Asen Balakchiev was born in Sofia Bulgaria on April 2nd, 1946 to Ekaterina and Lyuben Balakchievi. Asen passed away on the 18th of November in Salt Lake City, Utah at the age of 72. Asen is a beloved father of two children Ana and Milko and adored grandfather of Sophie, Allison, Joshua, Alina, and father-in-law of Eve as well as brother of Petar. He is the husband of Antoaneta Balakchieva. Growing up he was an accomplished athlete in track and field and a champion in long jump, high jump and sprint. He graduated with a master’s degree in Fine Arts from the National University of Art, Nikolai Pavlovich in Sofia, Bulgaria. He has created numerous large-scale national monuments, was the principle artists of a populous region of Sofia for 10 years as well as participated in solo and group art shows in Europe and the US of paintings and sculptures. In 1997, Asen moved to the island of Cyprus with his family where he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was baptized by his son Milko in the Mediterranean Sea and the church has been an integral part of his life since. While in Cyprus, he enjoyed gardening and spending time by the Mediterranean Sea with his family. In 2003, his wife and him relocated to the United States to be closer to their children and grandchild. While living in Utah, Asen created numerous murals. Most notable of which is in Downtown Provo and spans more than 75 feet long, depicting the early history of Provo. A favorite pastime was taking walks in nature with his wife and two dogs Buddy and Pal as well as teaching his granddaughter Sophie art. He was very knowledgeable about his family history and their royal lineage. His family remembers him for his sense of humor, unconditional love and care. He lived righteously and had a lot of faith and loved being in the service of others. He was a true art prodigy with photographic memory and incredible ability to create. His body’s resting place in the Elysian Burial Gardens located on 1075 E 4580 S, Millcreek, UT 84117