Brian R. Ballou

Brian R. Ballou
The lover. The fighter. The fishing legend.
To our dismay, Brian died on September 7, 2024 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA.
Born to Shirley (Northrup) and William Ballou on December 31, 1953 in Manchester, NH, Brian was a man born to the mountains, the forests, the rivers and most of all to laughter. He wanted nothing more than to have fun and make his family and friends laugh. He was also lovingly raised by his grandparents Bessie and Chester "Chet" Ballou of Conway, NH.
He spent his youth adventuring and hunting through the White Mountains, teaching his brothers to fish in and around the Saco River, and even had some adventures living in Pasadena, CA.
He honored and adored his time with his siblings Diane Ballou Eldridge, Kevin Ballou, Mickey McDonald, Wayne McDonald, and Jody McDonald. He especially loved his brother in-law Philip Eldridge.
In 1972 at the Saco River Campground in Conway his life took on new meaning when he met his true love and forever partner, Marilyn Burnham. And secured that lifelong bond where the Swift and the Saco meet. From there Brian and Marilyn created a family that didn't live without struggle, as no family does, but did live with the kind of wild fun and laughter every family should be granted and will live on in tales for generations.
Brian's restless nature and longing for laughter propelled him and his family and his many friends through years of adventures in the woods. Camping, hunting, and of course out fishing everyone around him. He taught his kids to hop rocks, read holes and find joy in nothing but being together. He enjoyed his time hanging out at the Sporty's and with Lap Dog and Flea Bag, the Gray brothers and Dave Fielders. And of course, his childhood best friend Mitchell Graves of Redstone. His love of adventure was the reason he moved furniture and traveled as much as a young dad could. He simply couldn't sit still.
Brian made the best of life. He could create fun out of absolutely nothing. He might shock or even embarrass you, but he was bound to make you laugh. His rowdy, wild spirit will forever be missed.
Brian was a die-hard sports fan. He loved all of it. Baseball, wrestling, he could pull off a mean Hulk Hogan back in the day, but he loved football best. He always rooted for the Patriots, but he knew ball and always had an eye on who was looking good. He loved no football more than he did watching Kennet High and the University of New England where his grandson, Trey Snowden played. He adored and thrived watching all of his children and grandchildren play sports.
Brian's true love was his family. One look and there was no denying that his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were what he was living for. He adored finding ways to make them laugh.
Brian had a few heroes. His grandfather, Chet, was his biggest hero. Vince Lombardi, Pistol Pete Maravich, but he was a hero to his four children Brian BJ Ballou, Jaime Ham, Sheri Ballou and Rodney Ballou. To his daughter-in-law Stephanie Ballou, Megan Ballou and son-in-law Jason Ham. To his grandchildren Coty Ballou, Macala Ballou, Trey Snowden, Aries Ballou, Dillan Demain, Logan Demers, Alex Demain, Montana Ballou, Kyleigh Demain, Kayleigh Demain, and Memphis Ballou. He also leaves behind his great grandchildren Jamesen Demers, Scarlett Ballou, Vincent Ballou and Jesse Blidburg, who will forever love and remember their crazy Papa.
Brian is predeceased by his son and twin flame Rodney Ballou, and his mother, Shirley, from whom he gained his love of fun and laughter.
Friends are invited to visit with Brian's family in Sunday September 29th 2024 from noon to 1pm in the JS Pelkey and Son Funeral Home 125 Old Post Rod Kittery Maine 03904
A memorial service will be celebrated at 1pm in the funeral home.
A gathering will be held after the service at the home of Marilyn for all who wish to attend.
10 Ida Street, Sanford, Maine