Dr. Michael Anthony Ball

Dr.  Michael Anthony Ball obituary, Ithaca, NY

FUNERAL HOME

Bangs Funeral Home, Inc. - Ithaca

209 W Green St.

Ithaca, New York

Michael Ball Obituary

Dr. Michael Anthony Ball, born July 1, 1961 passed away on December 20, 2014. Michael was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, but moved to Syracuse, NY as a child and graduated from Henniger High School. Michael was passionate about horses from an early age and after high school graduation, worked professionally with them for many years before returning to college. Michael attended Cornell University, first for his undergraduate degree and then graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in 1992. After spending two years at the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael returned to Cornell to complete a residency in Large Animal Internal Medicine as well as completing research and teaching duties in the Pharmacology department. Michael went on to work in private equine practice in Central New York, and Florida and throughout his career worked with passion and excitement for horses and their caretakers. Michael spent several years working with the United States Equestrian Team and especially loved traveling with the team throughout Europe and Canada, and made friends wherever he went. Michael's second love was teaching and was always thrilled to share his knowledge of horsemanship and veterinary medicine with a younger generation. Michael authored numerous articles on horse care as well as publishing original research articles. Michael's happiest moments were spent at the many horse shows he attended, joking with friends, creating nicknames for the people and animals he enjoyed most, rescuing wayward kittens, and caring for his beloved horses.

Michael is survived by his mother, Louise Ball (Martini) of Ithaca, NY; aunt, Elizabeth "Bulldog" Haight (Martini) of Framingham, MA; his former wife, Dr. Christina Cable of Lansing, NY; dear friend, Stefanie Watson of Cazenovia, NY; and innumerable friends and clients, both animals and humans alike. Grandmother, Edith Martini of Syracuse, as well as his uncle, Tom Haight predeceased him.

Since Michael was awarded a multitude of scholarships while he was a student at Cornell, to which he was very grateful, we thought. what better way to return the gift? Please consider donating to the Michael A. Ball, DVM Scholarship Fund, College of Veterinary Medicine, Box 39, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401.

A Celebration of Michael's Life will be held in early 2015, an announcement will follow. Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the family.


Date of Death: December 20, 2014



Published by Syracuse Post Standard from Dec. 23 to Dec. 24, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Ball

Not sure what to say?





Hard to believe Michael passed 8 years ago. His memories live on with our family, he was brilliant, witty and always so dedicated to what he was doing.

The Duffy Family

Work

January 8, 2023

Michael is truly missed. He was taken from us far too early.

Dr. Richard D. Mitchell

Friend

January 9, 2021

I am so sorry to learn of Mike's passing. A brilliantly funny guy with a passion for horses. He possessed a level of intelligence that was inspiring to me. I spent two years with him at UGA and we became friends quickly. A sad sad loss, my sympathies to his mom and family.

Callum Hay

June 30, 2015

I have just learned of this great loss. Mike was a good friend of mine in veterinary school. He was such an impressive person, so smart, friendly and compassionate. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Richard Gold

June 21, 2015

As busy as we were in vet school Mike seemed to always have time for a smile or good conversation or even a compliment on my new haircut. It was a shock to hear of his loss, I'm still reeling. An asset to our profession and a kind friend....may there be great peace and happiness where you are now and, of course a few interesting problems to solve.

Robin Rodgers

June 6, 2015

As a farrier, I worked with Michael on several cases. I always enjoyed his company and offer my deepest sympathy to his family.

Esco Buff, PhD, APF, CF

March 10, 2015

Mike was such a nice person and so smart. I remember having a discussion with him during finals about the definition of "esoteric" of all things! My condolences.

Mary Ann Seagren, DVM '94

March 10, 2015

I am so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. My deepest condolences to his family.

Mary Denver, DVM

March 3, 2015

Last news I expected to get. Mike was one of my good friends in vet school, now I wish I had tried harder to get in touch with him since graduation. My sympathy to all who hold him dear.

Karen Purcell

February 2, 2015

What a loss, Mike was a good guy, knew him from his early days in the horse show world till present days. Great guy, glad I was able to call him a friend. See ya down the road bud...

Jack Williams

January 26, 2015

Please accept my deepest sympathies at your loss - I feel ever so grateful to have known & spent time with Mike - we had a great time living together for #4+ years during undergrad & Vet. School - we shared many similarities - taste in cars, friends, horses, music, food and the same birthday = July 1st - he is a great person, I am in shock, and he will be dearly missed by me & all who knew him - all my best - always - Byron de la Navarre, Cornell BS 1986 & DVM 1990

Byron De la Navarre

January 6, 2015

Several great horsemen and women have passed on this year, Michael, you now will join them....enjoyed working with you and you will be greatly missed.

Donna and Gary Duffy

January 1, 2015

What a tragic loss. We vet classmates enjoyed Mike good humor during our years at Cornell. I extend deep sympathy to his family and all who were closest to him. His vet classmates share the sense of shock and profound sadness.

Claire Berian, D.V.M. Cor '92

December 29, 2014

I had the honor and great joy to work with Mike as an FEI vet delegate on several occasions; I will always remember his sense of humour, always so gentle and his great ability for original thought...a great colleague has left us, way to early
Yves Rs

Yves rossier

December 27, 2014

I really didn't know Mike to well but I as a fellow Cornell Veterinary School alum I send my sincere condolences to family and friends who have suffered this tragic loss. My heart goes out to you all, he clearly was a an amazing person. I wish you all peace and comfort in this difficult time.

Laura Jones

December 27, 2014

I first met Mike before he went back to school. A great horseman and vet taken from us way too soon.
Rick Mitchell,DVM, MRCVS

December 27, 2014

Mike was a resident while I was a veterinary student at Cornell, he taught me a great deal. He was never condescending, but he was tough. This made you accountable, prepared before you showed up to rounds and hopefully ready for any tough question he might ask. I looked forward to my conversations with him and learned a great deal, about medicine and about myself. He will be very much missed by all those who knew him, students, colleagues, friends and patients. My sincere condolences to his family.

Pat Erickson

December 26, 2014

I am truly sorry for your loss and hope that you may find comfort and peace during this difficult time.
~SM

December 26, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family. I feel blessed to have had Mike teach me so much about caring for horses while he served as Soundness Guru for my horse, Lobster. I have many Lobster-and-Mike stories.

One of memory I can offer here is the time Mike invited Lobster to wrestle. You must understand that this kind, funny gelding was usually ridden and managed by women. He was, quite frankly, drowning in estrogen. Lobs was treated nicely, but he was not allowed to rough house with people.

On this first day of wrestling, Mike attended to the business of our appointment and then teased Lobster until he bit Mike's sleeve. Knowing this was illegal, Lobster paused, didn't let go, and looked Mike right in the eye. Mike gave Lobbie a "Game On!" look and they played, kind of like Jack Russells would do. Lobs loved it! After that, Lobs looked forward to more games that always came with a visit from Mike. And Mike enjoyed using Lobbie's neck as a jungle gym. A good time was had by all.

Mike set the bar exceptionally high in so many respects. His ability to see and locate subtle lamenesses was extraordinary. I'm not sure he could teach the rest of us to see what he did. His ability to read and enjoy a horse's personality was great as well, and I benefited from watching Mike communicate with them. I will especially miss Mike's commitment to thoroughness when treating a horse. Lobster and I got the care, and instruction about fitness and management usually only offered to horses and owners showing at higher levels than we did.

I will always be grateful to Mike for bringing this kind of commitment to his work with Lobster. That's something I will pay forward to other horses and people I teach, acknowledging the example Mike set for me.

Miranda Paton

December 26, 2014

My heart and prayers go out to Michael's family and friends. He will live on in my memories as my favorite resident and a kind, brilliant veterinarian.

Denise Firlik

December 26, 2014

Mike you are a very old friend you shall be missed you were a good man helping and caring for our animal friends I shall remember our days at green lakes in the spring

Rick Castle

December 25, 2014

As high school friends of Mike, we are so sad to hear of his passing. Haven't seen him since he stopped by probably over a dozen years ago with his wife. It is sure that he will be missed by many.

Rob and Trish Barboni

December 25, 2014

I remember Dr. Ball coming to give a lecture on first aid in my Horses class at Cornell in 2003. He was a great man and veterinarian. Prayers for the family.

Hannah Smith DVM

December 25, 2014

I am very sorry for the loss of such a talented, kind man. I will always be thankful for Dr. Ball saving my horse's sight and I will see him in sparky's eyes every time I look into them. Rest in peace my friend

Charmaine Wilomt

December 24, 2014

My horses were fortunate to have been the recipients of his diagnostic skills and I was fortunate to have known him. We can all learn from the many papers he wrote- a lasting legacy to be cherished.
Betsy Kubiak ~ Sugar Hill Farm, LLC

December 24, 2014

I am so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful, kind, compassionate man as Dr. Ball was. He will be greatly missed. Prayers and condolence to his family and many friends.

Debra McStay-Smith

December 24, 2014

I wanted to pass on my sympathy to Mike's family. I have not seen him in many years, since I boarded my horse at Tanglewood stables when he worked there...there were many pranks and many laughs...still thought of him over the past 35 years though and so impressed on what he did w/his life and love of horses.

Denise Foeder

December 24, 2014

Spending time with Michael was always an adventure!! He made me laugh and taught me so many things. He was a light that was snuffed too soon. Deepest sympathies for his family.

Bernie McNinch

December 24, 2014

The loss of Dr Ball is a tragedy for so many. He was a brilliant, but kind and humble man. He will be missed terribly. He certainly made an unforgettable mark on the world in his 53 years.

Penny Gallonio

December 24, 2014

Heaven has gained an Angel, Wonderful Man and so very passionate about his work

Lazy H Horse Sales

December 24, 2014

A beautiful mind and soul. I and many will miss him. All our animals will miss his loving care.

Kevin

December 23, 2014

Thoughts and prayers to friends and family-Michael will be missed!

Stacy Jonas

December 23, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss.Dr. Ball was a great vet and he had such A gentle way with my horse. I am so devastated of the passing.R.I.P. you will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family.

francine Delia

December 23, 2014

A great teacher and all around great human being. Condolences to all his friends and family. A very sad loss

Tracy Jagocki

December 23, 2014

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

Joseph Bell

December 23, 2014

My deepest sympathy in the loss of a great doctor and person. We lost a great person way too soon. May God comfort you during this difficult time.

Lu Ann Berlinski

December 23, 2014

I am very sorry for your loss. Dr. Ball was a brilliant vet and a super nice person. He will be sorely missed by all of us.

Maureen Quackenbush

December 23, 2014

Dr. Ball's talent and compassionate care are a wonderful legacy. He is gone from us far too soon.

Roxanne Sopchak

December 23, 2014

I'm so sorry to hear about Dr. Ball's passing. He was a wonderful vet and caring person.

mandie farrington

December 22, 2014

Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Ball's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Ball

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Bangs Funeral Home, Inc. - Ithaca

209 W Green St., Ithaca, NY 14850

How to support Michael's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Ball's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more