Eric Alden Ballard

1988 - 2023

Eric Alden Ballard It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Eric Alden Ballard, 35, on October 8, 2023 in a tragic car accident.

Eric was born January 5th, 1988 during a rare Grand Junction, Colorado blizzard. Upon his arrival, he immediately charmed his adoring parents, Laura (Hunt) Ballard and Richard "Rick" Ballard.

Eric married the love of his life Toni Griffith on May 29, 2015 on the majestic Colorado National Monument. He is survived by his wife Toni Ballard and her supportive Griffith family; his older brother Charles (Amanda) of Whidbey Island, Washington, nephews Alden and Zaiden; younger brother Kevin (Megan) of Grand Junction, niece Daphne and nephew August; his mother Laura of Grand Junction; and grandmother Ruby Hunt of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; as well as, numerous beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Rick Ballard in 2007 as well as his sister-in-law, Tiria Alcala in the same accident.

Eric made lifelong impressions and friendships everywhere he went, being a serious worker but never taking work too seriously. Eric graduated from Central High School in 2006 and from Colorado Mesa University in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in business entrepreneurship. Eric wore many hats and was well on his way to being a Jack of all trades. He worked as a grocer at Sam's Club then City Market, while simultaneously a co-proprietor of Mud EKspresso coffee lounge. He went on to become a conductor at BNSF railroad and then started his handyman business Ballard Handyman, LLC while also working as a manager at Penske. On top of all that, Eric and Toni managed their 9-acre farm. Eric was an enthusiastic supporter of Toni's passions, helping her run her businesses of breeding miniature horses and Australian Shepherds. He often burned the candle at both ends and sometimes in the middle too.

Despite this busy lifestyle, Eric always found time to putz around his farm and its boundless projects. Eric enjoyed restoring his late father's treasured 1970 orange Chevy truck. Being a lifelong learner, he loved listening to podcasts, watching YouTube videos, and reading SciFi/Fantasy books (he was proud of reading the entire Wheel of Time series). Then sharing what he learned with the nearest person. Weather and work permitting, you would find Eric camping and climbing 14ers (he summited over a dozen). He loved being in the kitchen perfecting the sear on his steak, the seasoning in his gumbo, and brewing new varieties of beer. However, Eric would drop all his interests to spend quality time with friends and family which was his most endearing quality. All who loved him learned to love his light hearted spirit, and with a simple joke how he would fall to pieces in a fit of giggles.

Eric's presence will be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him - he touched so many lives with his laughter, kindness, friendship, and generosity of spirit. May we all remember him and live our lives inspired by his legacy.

A memorial service will be held at a future date.