Ralph was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 13, 1930 and lived in a number of different cities in Wisconsin, Illinois and Texas. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is survived by his sons, Randolph Ballard and wife Vicki, Patrick Ballard and wife Betty, grandchildren Patrick Ballard, Mark Ballard, Caitlin Ballard Coolahan, Cassandra Ballard Campbell, Anna Ballard, Jessica Ballard, Shelby Ballard and great grand children Nicholas Lewis, Braxton Ballard, Boston Ballard, Connor Coolahan, and Caroline Coolahan. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia (Patt) Ballard, his son Scott Ballard and special friend Marguerite Crowl.
Ralph's family was the focal point of his life and made every minute with them count. His outgoing personality and gift of "gab" allowed him to make many life long friends to travel, party and socialize with. His many friends were very important to him. They knew they could depend on him but also that he could depend on them. As a long term resident of April Sound you could always find Ralph on the golf course with one of his April Sound buddies.
Ralph was a born salesman winning countless sales awards throughout his career. His career in sales ranged from selling Hoover vacuums door to door, managing General Tire Stores, working in Shell Oil Company’s Corporate Office, to Bay West Paper Company. While being a successful business man, Ralph was also a nationally recognized swimming stroke and turn judge and starter.
Ralph loved to travel not only throughout the U.S., but also the Caribbean Islands, Hawaiian Islands and many countries throughout Europe. Of all his travels, his favorite place to go was Winter Park, CO. He and Patt spent summers there and enjoyed the cool mountain air while hiking, golfing, and fishing with friends.
In his early days Ralph was an avid outdoorsman having spent countless hours at Ballard's Tall Pines Camp on Lake Wabaskang in Ontario, Canada. During early family life Ralph treated his family to the boating lifestyle on both Lake Michigan and the Gulf Coast of Texas.
When it came to sports, there was only one, football, and there was only one team, the Green Bay Packers. He was a lifelong devoted fan.
Ralph fought a short illness to his last breath. He exemplified mental and physical strength to the very end. He is deeply missed, and memories will forever be cherished. We know that Ralph (dad, grandpa, great grandpa) is at peace, with Patt, Scott, and all of his lifelong friends who preceded him in death.
