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WILLIAM BALLARD Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM BALLARD
73 Entries
Bill Jackson
March 11, 2019
Ah, 5 years has gone by, and as I age I come to realize he is indeed, just around the next corner, as he has been and will always be.
April 14, 2014
Elke and I lost a big part of our lives when Bill moved on to higher ground last month. Our hearts go out to Renee, Maryke and family. Obviously from the Niagara of tributes within these pages and those expressed during his recent memorial event, attended by some 750 of his nearest and dearest, we are neither unique nor alone in our loss and our grief over his passing. Bill touched so many lives because of his welcoming embrace of people and his kindness and generosity to them. His circle of friends and fans was a wide one that just seemed to keep growing over the years, and the consideration and loyalty he showed his friends was both substantive and enduring. For that, and much more, he garnered and retained our never ending love and respect. He was the glue. Everyone wanted to spend time and do things with Bill, Renee and Maryke whether at Due North, Maple, or on Midnight Mischief or Spindrift. It was always dinner time, cruising time, party time or just time for conversation and reflection. And all of these occasions in the community populated by Bill's family and friends were special and memorable for us. Bill leaves a huge hole for all of us and we will honour his memory and our good times with him by pulling together with Renee and Maryke to help them try to make that hole as small as we can.
Peter and Elke Steinmetz
April 6, 2014
I'm sorry for your loss. May you find comfort knowing that God is near you and is a refuge during this difficult time.
Psalms 9:9
Gisele Desroches
March 28, 2014
Renee and family, I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I've known Bill since I was 6 years old and he was always a delight. My parents owned the Esso so I got to see him often. My most treasured moment is when I ran into Bill in Toronto. He was eating lunch with what I assume were fellow business-men. He stopped the conversation to wave me over to say hello. He never put himself above others. He really had a nice way of making my family and I feel special. So sorry you are gone Billy but God just called home a wonderful person.
David DesRoches
March 27, 2014
To The family our deepest condolences. Bill was our counsellor at Thunder Beach growing up. He was larger than life at this stage of our lives.
His generosity was second to none.
Wonderful cruises on his many boats, a wonderful 10 star year 2000 New Year's Eve party.
We have lost one of our bright lights and shall cherish the memories of midnight mischief cruising in Georgian bay? God bless, you got a good one!
Susie Belton
March 26, 2014
Our street won't be the same without him. Our deepest sympathy Renee and Maryke and family. Susie and Greg Belton
March 24, 2014
A good man; now gone.
Sincerest condolences to Renee, Maryke, Mary and Harold.
Rest in peace.
J T
Mike McMahon
March 24, 2014
It is very hard to imagine this "larger than life guy" is gone! We had a lot of fun in the early seventies at WLU. You will be missed, rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to Renee,Maryke and the rest of the family.
God Bless
Randy Ostlund
March 23, 2014
I feel it an honor and privilege to have known Billy over the years, he always knew how to have fun and make you laugh. He will be greatly missed by so many. He was bigger than life on so many levels.
Eleanor Finch Nesling
March 22, 2014
I have many memories of Bill and our fun times in the sixties and early seventies at the Etobicoke pools. Bill was a larger than life character who under that sometimes blustery exterior was a kind and thoughtful person. While you were in Bill's company there was truly never a dull moment. My father, John Finch had a great deal of respect for Bill. Condolences to Renee, Maryke, Mary and Harold.
Bernard (Bernie) Fournier
March 22, 2014
sincere sympathy from my heart. God bless him. Ill remember him. I am a former employee of Maple Leaf Gardens and I keep a good souvenir from this family.
March 21, 2014
He was a reminder of what life is really about! Family, friends, and enjoying the moment.
March 21, 2014
Billy contributed soooo very much to the lives & happiness of others. It is a great priviledge to have been his friend. I can't imagine this world without him, so I will just hold tight to some wonderful memories and smile through my tears. My heart aches for the loss to Renee and Maryke. Sincere condolences.
Tom Cochrane
March 21, 2014
Such sad news about Bill. He was a grand, bigger than life guy, and a pioneer in our music world. Deepest condolences to Renee and the rest of the family. Tom Cochrane
Bahram Ebrahimi
March 21, 2014
Bill you were a great man...god bless you and rest in peace
Mike Wassilyn Sr.
March 21, 2014
Bill,dynamic in character,jovial, the kind guy that you desire to be around,BILLY fought the good fight,,,and will be missed,life ,, is too short,eternity is forever,MAY THE LORD BLESS MARYKE AND RENEE, as well as HIS loved brother and sister,till we meet again,a friend Mike
Katie Buchanan
March 21, 2014
I never had a change to meet Bill, but am friends of the family. Sending love and thoughts to everyone, particularly Maryke and Harold.
March 20, 2014
Bill Ballard, greatly loved 'Thunder Beacher'. My parents, Ray and Marilyn Blair, enjoyed The Floating Film Festival Cruise with Renee and Bill in the Caribbean a few years ago, and had lots of laughs and wonderful stories. Many of my McNamara and Schutte cousins ( and you all know who you are!) pal'd around with him since childhood. He is widely known as being the most generous man, the best host, both gracious and so much fun! I enjoyed his rascally sense of humour. I recall sitting in front of him at an annual TB- AGM, and Bill provided us with a cheeky running commentary of the speeches…never laughed so hard….hilarious! This is a great loss. Our condolences to Renee and Maryke.
Susan (Blair) and Brian Spratley
Linda May Bell
March 20, 2014
Just as I recalled him at ECI way back when. Wonderful notes from those whose lives he touched.
March 20, 2014
"I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving: To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it - but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor."
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
Billy did all of that and more! Thank you for the memories. I will miss your generosity, great meals and good times "out in boat". Heave away home Billy, heave away!
Sandy
March 20, 2014
Martin and Barbara Onrot
March 20, 2014
Martin and Barbara Onrot send our sincere condolences to Renee and Maryke and the entire family. Bill was one of a kind and a friend to us. To say he will be missed is an understatement. We had many wonderful and whacky times together boating and just being in his company. May his memory be a blessing and bring comfort to those who mourn his loss.
Gord Smellie
March 19, 2014
A poem with a few grains of sand from a huge beach of connections to Billy on the Bay
Billy on the Bay
Thunder Beach, tennis lessons
And loud music to play,
The Plucky, The Spindrift,
"once more around the Bay",
Bat Haven I remember is were it all started
It was usually 3 or 4 before we all parted
The Wallow needs work "stain it again Hilaire"
Because friends are coming over, they include Mr. Blair
The Western Islands and cold Molson Dry
With lots of kids eating corn beef on rye,
The Musquash was an adventure to find warm water,
He loved many people but mostly his daughter,
The Sportsman Inn with engines to fix,
"Lenny on Three Sheila's switch to 06",
The Midnight Mischief, Captain Johnny and Robbie
Loud laughter with folks there was never nobody ,
The boat trip had coolers, I think maybe five,
Steak slipped off the Q "Tom you'll have to dive",
Due North was built with logs from the west
I often found Billy there having a rest
"contractor warranty" and a marina of rock
Collected fine art and dredging the dock
There is plenty of diesel
In the tank to burn,
Bill's headed for the horizon,
A friendly wave from the stern,
You feel generosity,
Compassion and kindness.
We'll remember Bill often,
No need to remind us.
From the depths of my heart I will remember Bill often,
Geoff Martin
March 19, 2014
I was saddened to learn from Alex on Sunday of Bill's death. I recently reconnected with Bill at a couple of parties at Pete and Joan's cottage and was looking forward to seeing more of him in the coming years. I guess it's not to be. My fond memories are of hanging with Bill in the 60's at the beach, the baseball games, going spear fishing on Beckwith (his idea) and many others. A particularly memorable highlight was attending, as one of Bill's many guests, the Beatles first concert in Toronto at The Gardens in 1964. He generously rented a big limousine which picked us all up at his home on Montgomery Rd. Needless to say, we arrived at Carlton St. in typical "Ballard style"! Sorry for the missing 40 years.
My condolences to your family for their great loss.
Rest easy and rock on my friend.
mystical
March 19, 2014
Peter Philpott
March 18, 2014
I will miss my kind and generous long time friend with his big heart. Billy got great pleasure from creating an environment where all those around him were having a wonderful time!
Anne Logan McNamara
March 18, 2014
Bill - you left us far too soon, and far too young. That being said, you managed to put into your 67 years, more than most could put into 167. You didn't have to get that law degree, but you did: you didn't have to start businesses on your own, but you did. You created an amazing life for yourself and your family, while always shunning the limelight often thrust upon you. You were strong; you were caring, about so many people. You were always honest, and always fair, through good times and less so. I am proud to have known you: am sorry I did not have a chance to get to know Rene or Maryke, but they certainly have my sympathy in their very big loss. And the same to Mary Elizabeth, whom I do know, also to Harold as you were their baby brother.
You were always good to me, and warm to me, and supportive of my various projects, for which I shall always be grateful. May you now rest in peace, you were special, anne
March 18, 2014
Oh Billy, a lifetime of memories since we were 8 years old. I,ll remember them all, always. Thanks Billy. John Tait.
Paul Lenneard
March 18, 2014
I'm still in shock that he's gone. So many fantastic memories. As my councilor at Thunder Beach. The baseball, the movies "Monday night" at the Club House. Later in life as my boating buddy. The North Channel, the Sportsmanship Inn at Killarney, the western isles the Musquash and on. There are dinners at Ballards, the food, Christmas Eve at our cottage. All the friends. So many great memories . A life ends too early, but for me, and many others, the end of an era. It was a great pleasure to have known you.
Thank you Bill. You will be greatly missed by myself and my family.
My sincerest condolences to Renee and Maryke.
Bill Park
March 18, 2014
Farewell Billy, from a fellow tourist at ECI and WLU. I still smile when I think about the food fight in the dining hall that we may have been involved with on an otherwise uneventful Saturday evening in Waterloo.
FRANCIS DAVIES
March 18, 2014
A one-of-a-kind, smart, larger-than-life, big-hearted, 'tough' guy. We'll so miss his warm generous spirit, loyalty, friendship and fun. For the past 25 years or more I have had a note attached to my office computer of a saying that Bill would repeat to me frequently – “life is not a dress rehearsal"! He surely practised and lived what he preached. Love you forever, Billy. Our loving thoughts to Renee and Maryke, and the Ballard family.
Francis Davies & Family
David Devine
March 18, 2014
It was a magical time…Bill was The King, Tim Powell and Robbie Evans were his Jacks and I was the lowly 2. I did not mind being a 2 at all because the summers I spent at Thunder Beach were magical. One of the reasons for the magic was the presence and the humour of Bill Ballard. I looked up to him then and always will. He seemed to be the one with the sunrise in his eyes … always flashing that great smile. Years later, Bill assisted me on my Board of Directors for 12 years. He had great insights and was full of tough questions.
I appreciated my time with The King… I was grateful for that time.
My family's best wishes and condolences to the family and -
Bill… May You Rest In Peace!!
David Devine
Doug Coombs
March 18, 2014
Although I have not seen Bill for over 40 years, when we both had the honour to be included in Sandy's wedding party, I smile remembering the great times we had at W L U. Bill was his own man back then and remained so for the rest of his life. Bill had a gruff exterior until you got to know him and soon discovered his generous heart of gold. Deepest sympathies to Renee, Maryka, Mary Liz and Harold. Bill you have snapped your last football, had your last draught at the Loo and can proudly say I Did IT MY WAY. Thanks for so many great memories
contact me
Lynda Davies
March 18, 2014
Billy had a big appetite...a HUGE APPETITE FOR LIFE.
Even though he left us too soon, he had nine lives and lived them all to the fullest.
He was a curious boy, an intelligent man with many facets...a diamond in the rough with a heart of gold.
Clever, unassuming, fun-loving, unjudgemental and generous to a fault.
Bill's interest in all things extended to history, art, antiques, music, theatre, sports and the lands and peoples around the globe. He was both a renaissance man and a "good old boy". He was the sweetest, most loyal ombre this side of Blue Mountain.
Bill loved the Northern Ontario palette of the Group of Seven. Georgian Bay was his Paradise on Earth.
Every time we head due north, Billy, we will think of you and be looking for you near the Lighthouse on Hope.
With love forever.
Megan Conacher
March 18, 2014
Cedar Point has lost another great man, love you Maryke and Renee.
Ned Levitt
March 18, 2014
I was shocked to read about Bill passing. He was a big part of my life at Thunder Beach in the 50's. Every spring I could not wait to return to the cottage to discover what mischief we would get into that coming summer. Rest in peace my friend. To his family, be comforted by the fact that he enjoyed life to the fullest and lived a life that mattered.
March 18, 2014
Dear Renee and Maryke -
Randi and I a very sorry for your loss and deeply saddened with this awful news. I remember you and Billy dancing at our wedding. You two were always part of our thoughts. With my eyes open or shut I can still see his smile, hear his big voice and remember with fond amazement his appetite and the Grand Boeffe celebration you made for him, Billy had a big, generous heart. I will miss him
March 18, 2014
Billy loved life and people... he created with the "paintbrush" that was unique to him alone. He loved the camaraderie and energy of Golden hawk football. That was the start of a lifelong friendship. Our sincere sympathy to Renee and Maryke.
Adrian and Donna Kraayeveld
Angela Giacomini
March 18, 2014
Renee our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will miss his sense of humour and he always lit up the office when he came in. Angie, Dr Perlus and the whole team
Robert & Frances Gunn
March 18, 2014
Chairman... you will be missed!
Jaye Riggio
March 18, 2014
Your charm, humor and loving heart will always be in my memory. My heart goes out to Renee, maryka and family
Herb and Patti Gregory
March 18, 2014
Dear Renee and Maryka. We were so very saddened to learn of Bill's passing. When we were last leaving Toronto in November, Bill called us in the car and said he always wanted to visit us in North Carolina. We told him that April was the best time. But I guess it just wasn't meant to be. He had a more important journey. He was so kind and thoughtful when Billy and Gerry died. We will always have wonderful memories of Bill at TB. Love Herb and Patii.
March 17, 2014
To my dear Renee & Maryke, Mary Elizabeth Flynn and Harold Ballard.
Our heartfelt deepest sympathy.
Bill as mentioned by all of you had a heart of gold. Bill was a man that gave from his heart and unconditional love. He will forever be remembered at Thunder Beach as a man of great love and compassion for all the people and lives he touched. May all the angels in heaven be with you my dear friend. You are the solid rock that builds the foundation.
Love Louie DeLisa-Naples, Florida
ralph spoltore sr
March 17, 2014
billy was a true original and like my
brother at waterloo lutheran university.
where we were both proud "golden hawks"
his infectious smile and great heart will be truly missed.
sleep well, brother.
spotty and family-
Renee & David Perlmutter
March 17, 2014
a huge hole exists
now & forever
Bruce Hahn
March 17, 2014
We met through Robbie in the late 70's - Cumberland House Real Estate, Robbie & I were trying to sell the Gooderham Mansion to Bil & CPI for their headquarters. That was the beginning. From the Hot Stove to Bat Haven, so many stories we can tell and so many we can't. Bill was one of the really great guy's.
Our Deepest Sympathy to Renee and Maryke
In Loving Memory, Bruce Hahn & Family
Paul McNamara
March 17, 2014
My most sincere and heartfelt sympathies to Renee, Maryka, Mary Liz and Harold Jr. for your loss. I can remember well all the great times I spent with Bill as we were growing up at Thunder Beach in the late 50's and 60's. We shared so many ideas back then and played baseball on the Thunder Beach Baseball team for a few summers.Bill had many, many friends in both life and business and was a very caring person to be sure. He did many helpful things for people that no one knew about because he wanted it that way and that was Bill. You, my friend, will be remembered by many and forgotten by none!
Ken Foston
March 17, 2014
It is with great sadness that we learned of Bill's passing. I will always remember the many nights and days we spent roaming the streets and back alleys of most cities in Canada. Bill, Dave, Brian and I shared many good times and many laughs. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
March 17, 2014
To Renee and Maryke, Mary Elizabeth Flynn and Harold Ballard.
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. I will never forget all the special times we shared with both of you at my dad's home (DeLisa) in Georgian Bay and on the boat cruises. May peace be with you all and may Bill rest in peach.
Love Cathy & Russell Scraggs
Corky Burger
March 17, 2014
3-17-14
I am very saddened to hear the news. My condolences to the Ballard family. I will always remember the fun times, good business with Bill and Michael, Billy's eating habits (I still tell
Ballard stories to this day)
I'm honored to have had the pleasure of spending some time together during this short life.
Corky Burger
Formerly with Harvey and Corky Productions
March 17, 2014
Our deepest condelences to Renee and Maryke Ballard, Mary Elizabeth Flynn and Harold Ballard and extended family members. Our family The DeLisa Family, Louie, Sylvia, Carol, Mel and Cathy extend our heartfelt wishes to all of you. We pray that God will heal your hearts and strengthen you. I leave you with this poem.
Life is a journey with many hills. Each road is travelled with curves and turns and challenges that are thrown our way. Bill travelled each road with determination,strength and faith to believe. Bill was bright, brave, and was such a delight to all that knew him. He gave from the heart right from the start. Bill was a winner. May happiness, peace and joy wipe away all the tears. May he rest in peace now and forever. May all the angels in heaven be with him.
Richard Connolly
March 17, 2014
When I first met Bill through a mutual friend John, he made me feel like we had known each others for years. His warmth, smile and laughter I have never forgotten. He was a good man, we were lucky to live in his time.
Steve McMurray
March 17, 2014
So long Bill. Thank you for many memorable cruises on the Bay. I will toast you on every cruise in the future but the Bay will never be the same.
Steve McMurray
March 17, 2014
Scott Kindree
March 17, 2014
I can't imagine a day on the Bay that folks like me, will not be keeping a look out for Billy & all the fun that was had. Many thoughts for all the family. Scottie Kindree & family
Bill Jackson
March 17, 2014
Billy Ballard, a most gregarious man, will be fondly remembered by all his friends - the firm handshake - the friendly voice - surely he is just around the next corner.... We all had hopes he would defeat this mortal foe, but sadly, it was not to be - ever in friendship, from another Billy.
Donnie Lamont
March 17, 2014
We will always cherish our friendship and adventures. A generous,warm hearted, brilliant and funny man. Our sincerest sympathy to Renee and Maryka. Much love, Donnie and Cathy Lamont
Tony & Beth Puim
March 17, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. We met Bill thru mutual friends, John and Terry and he always made us feel so welcome. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Tony & Beth Puim.
Fred & Marguerite Mullie
March 17, 2014
We have many memories of Bill who was our next door neighbour at the Beach when he was a teenager.We also often met him in Florida when we visited his dad who was in the hospital.R.I.P Bill.
Jo-Anne (McNamara) Scott
March 17, 2014
My deepest condolences to Renee, Maryka, Mary Liz and Harold for your loss. I have so many fond memories of my friendship with Bill growing up at Thunder Bay Beach in the 60's. Bill was adored by my Mother and greatly respected by my Father as he was by so many others. He will always be remembered by our family for his kind and carrying personality. Bill my friend may you rest in peace.
Rick Welsh
March 17, 2014
My condolences to the Ballard family. I will always remember the generous character that was Bill Ballard as I knew him. I was never quick enough to buy him a drink ... His generous personality always beat me to the punch. I will remember him for that.
Jack and Jan Heron
March 17, 2014
From "Billy the Bat " in the rafters of a cottage to the Captain of the "The Mighty 18" you will be missed with much love and respect. Our deepest sympathy to Renee and Maryke.
Brad McCrorie
March 17, 2014
William Ballard. A man that was larger-than-life two people that knew him. Bill was the kind of guy that could see things the way they really were. My mom Gert really loved William. When William brought his gang to our restaurant for lunch with Mike and Dusty and page 6 as we called them from the sun. Just his presence of him being there made all the other patrons feel special as we did girt and myself William you will truly be missed. The man we were speaking of was one of the good guys
Emily Davies
March 17, 2014
Truly a one-of-a-kind man.
We love you, Bill and will never forget you.
Hammar
March 17, 2014
Billy: as we sail throughout Georgian Bay, you will always be with us. May the sun always be shining and the wind at your back.
Inge Kuuts
March 17, 2014
As my friend Robbie says, he did not die with broccoli on his breath! A fun generous man that has been in my history for more than 30 years...very sad that his little group has had him taken away. So sorry Renee and Maryke.
Thank you for your wonderful friendship to mom xo
Tiffany McGregor
March 17, 2014
And Georgian Bay will forever remember...to one of the great hearts and minds - we are forever grateful for you! For your humour, your great spirit, and everything you did in friendship for the people and the association at Thunder Beach!
Jim Pogue
March 17, 2014
Billy was always very kind to me
Deirdre Hogan
March 17, 2014
You will be great missed Billy, you were great to work for and always had a smile and chuckle to share. Thanks for always being so kind. RIP Billy!
Deirdre Hogan
CPI Alumnae
Alex Dobo
March 17, 2014
I only met him a couple of times and he was bigger than life and full of it, He was generous, funny and smart. So long pal.
March 17, 2014
A mighty oak indeed!! Personally, I will never forget the fun and interesting times we had back in the early 60s as the Thunder Bay Beach Counsellors. Rest in peace my friend. xo Mary-Florence (McLarney) Bartley.
Nejla Botrie
March 17, 2014
With a heavy heart and great sadness my sincere condolences to the Ballard family for their huge loss. Bill was always very kind to me and my two sons Douglas and David all the while he was part of our lives.
Sincerely,
Nejla Botrie
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