Frank Willard BALLARD

You were an extraordinarily talented artist and the best father anyone could ask for. I think on you and miss you every day, Dad.

I was lucky that I chose Puppetry as an elective during a Summer in the late 70"s while I was doing graduate work in Education at Storrs. I truly didn't take the class thinking it would be easy, and yet I was both surprised and inspired by the professional approach Professor Ballard took with all of us during preproduction work. I even had a proud moment during my presentation (a segment adapted from THE LITTLE PRINCE by Antoine St. Exupery). I had thought that the moving petals of FLOWER...

Mike, I was so sorry to hear of your father's death and (though it was a sad occasion) honored that I had a chance to speak with him at your mother's service.

Of course I know him best by knowing your family. I have no doubt that he treasured you and Beverly, Ian and Jay, with all his heart. At the same time, I must say I wish I had had more of a chance to talk with him about puppets!

I went to Maine with Dad the week after your father's service, and Dad said the service...

During the work on H.M.S. Pinafore, Mr. Ballard was often having tremors, and much was done with his guidance, but not his hands (though he did build most of the original costumes for the characters, which the students then copied).
One day in the puppet lab, I was working on building the whale. I needed to draw a line about nine feet long with a certain curve, so I couldn't use a snap line. I could have done other things, but I asked Mr. Ballard how to do it. He picked up the pencil...

Thank you to everyone who has expressed their love and respect to my father, and to everyone who attended and participated in his wonderful memorial service on July 10. I think he would have been very humbled and pleased by all the expressions of love and friendship. A special thanks to you, Janibeth, for keeping this guest book online.

About 15 years ago, I first visited the Bimp with a group of friends. It was one little cottage. It was so filled with love. As I carefully wound around stunning displays on our tour I suddenly met Frank and Adah. He spoke so passionately and compassionately gentle about all his wonderful children
I couldn't help but also fall in love.
As we moved through the afternoon I spoke to Frank about a special dream of mine and he put his finger to his mouth and encouraged me to follow him...

Dear Mike and David and your families,
I have such wonderful memories of you and your parents. There was a special joy in both your dad and mom that made one just plain feel good in their presence. I'm greatful to have known them and you. I hope the many warm memories you all have, and the knowledge that your folks are together again, will help bring some comfort midst the loss. I just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts.