Philip D. Ball

I will be out of town for Phil's celebration. I have so much admiration for Phil. We worked on a number of city issues including the downtown MATC campus. I have fond memories of our efforts including several times telling Phil after disagreeing with him on our strategy "we are on the same side, and you are fierce about our disagreement in private. Phil loved Madison and felt very strongly about the downtown MATC, its students and its impact on the City of Madison. After our meetings in...

During my mid-30's I had a crush on Phil, so it was the disco era at the Cardinal Bar, and I would put on my white blouse and velveteen black jacket and go there on early Friday evenings. He was so much fun. I remember one night when he talked with wonder about the flowing lava he had seen in Hawaii.....He is probably one of the few people I have met who made me want to explore the whole planet. I don't know if I can make it on the 28th, but if there is anyone in Madison who could drive...

Our friend Phil was our unofficial, generous Madison uncle who´d spirit our boys away in his battleship-sized blue Pontiac convertible for a movie downtown, popcorn from the candy counter and sundaes for `dessert´ at a favorite hideout- his pal Nick´s Badger Candy Kitchen on the Capitol Square. Then the three of them would sail back into the house on a spectacular sugar high and relive for our entertainment every giddy moment of the day. Phil also brought to the work world a similarly...

Rest in Power, Phil. You were a cherished friend since the day I came to retrieve Natasha from your house. Your wise counsel during the Edgewater TIF fight was in valuable. Our bond over veterans deepened my admiration. Wish we had cloned you. You were an inspiration.

Thank you, Phil!! We here in Madison live in a better city because of all you did to help us live up to our higher calling. You cared about others and you organized and took action. You built a better world for those who came after you. Thank you -- from all of us who learned from you and who were inspired by your life of action and principle.

Here's to ya, Phil.