John Ballard
From his humble beginnings, through to his 20 year military career with the USAF; my dad had a core strength that few men today can match. To say humble beginnings is actually a major under statement. But dad didn't let this determine his future. He enlisted in the USAF, served his country with pride and with determination. After his time with the USAF, he went on to a thriving career in the food industry. He worked hard, to provide for his family. My mother often told me of how proud she was of his many strengths. He was a natural leader, an engaged father, and a present husband.
No one person's life is perfect, and this is true for dad. He had is battles and he fought them with the same strength and determination that he showed throughout the rest of his life. Although things may not have worked out for my father and mother; through the years, they remained very close friends; showing mutual respect for one another.
It wasn't until after his death, I realized the strength and determination my dad had, and the sense of humour he possessed. Dad wasn't given to easy laughter, but what he found funny, was contagious when he did laugh. My dad was the last of his siblings to pass away, and I know, through conversations I'd had with him, that he missed is siblings very much. Dad was a young man when he lost his parents. First his mom passed in 1958 and then his dad is 1964. Though he didn't speak much about his parents; when he did speak of them it was always with love and respect; even thought I know that dad's childhood was not an easy one, he never once put blame anywhere near his parents for this fact.
I know that dad loved his children, grand-children and great-grand-children equally and there was never any favourites in his mind between any of us. He always saw us as individuals and loved us all.
I cannot speak about dad without the connection to my mom Gloria. They were in each others lives in one capacity or another for 64 years. From their courtship in 1953 through their marriage in 1954, and well beyond the end of their marriage. They we the once constant in each others lives other than their children. So, for me any thought or memory I have about my dad has a connected thought about my mom.
I'm happy that when his time came, dad was at home and not hospitalized. I know that is what he would have wanted.
As for his life after death; while he and mom were together in their very early years, both of them committed their lives to Christ and that's something that no one can ever take away from dad, so I know that he is safe with God now. No more pain or strife from this life, only peace in the presence of God.
I'm writing this to acknowledge my father and his life.
Love your son William John
