January 11, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
With heavy hearts, we say bon voyage to Ross Thomas Ballard, who passed away suddenly in the ICU at Nanaimo General Hospital on January 11th, 2023, at the age of 72, with his loving wife and family members at his side.
Ross was born and raised in North Vancouver, playing among the shipyards with the coast boats. His love for adventure started by travelling the world. He became an apprentice carpenter in 1973 and worked in various capacities within the industry, finishing his successful career at Malaspina University College after 5 years at the physical plant and then as an instructor of the carpentry program for 15 years.
His pride of carpentry and community service lives on in projects such as the field house at Beban Park and the Chamber of Commerce building on Bowen Road, which he built with his students. He was so proud that Wes and Seth are carrying on his love and legacy for carpentry through a second and third generations.
Ross has always been an adventurer - hiking, camping, scuba diving and sharing his love for adventure with Boy Scouts' groups. Some of Ross's favourite adventures were with his wife on their boats, Orca Mist and Pacific Wanderer, travelling the BC coast for 2-3 months at a time.
Their favourite spots to search for wildlife and explore the beautiful beaches were Hakai Beach, Wakes Cove, Newcastle Island and a trip around Vancouver Island.
Not only did Ross and Christy share time on the water, on his bucket list was a solo captain trip in his 16-foot aluminum boat, Orca Mist, touching the Alaskan border and the North Washington border by sea. He ended the trip after 3 weeks in Neck Point Park waving to Christy from the bow to look out her window on shore.
Having travelled the coast Ross developed a passion for Indigenous history and art and was honoured to share in many long house celebrations.
Ross is mourned by his wife Christy (Foyers) Ballard, his children Kate Cram (Geoff), Wes Ballard (Jade), Tanya and Melanie Lyons, his grandchildren Seth, Olivia, Benjamin and William, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and, of course, Coco, his family dog.
Ross is predeceased by his parents Jack and Alma Ballard.
Ross's wish was for no formal service and asks you rather to please remember a favourite time with him on your next trip to the ocean or walk in nature.
The family heart-fully thanks Dr. James Mark and his team, the fantastic nurses and other staff in the Nanaimo ICU who took such excellent care of Ross and his family at this very difficult time. We are also thankful for the gracious care that Sands Funeral Home provided to us.
If you choose to donate, we suggest that you make a donation to the NRGH ICU.
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely.
Bon voyage, Ross.
Till we meet again.