Kenneth Heath Ballantyne

Kenneth Heath Ballantyne passed away on July 20, 2021 at the age of 75. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland. His father, Robert, was an American pilot stationed in Scotland during WWII where he met and married May Hadden.

Ken was raised by his parents in Port Washington, NY along with his brothers John and Garth and sister Nancy. He attended Paul D. Schreiber HS where he played varsity baseball and was honored as the Outstanding Baseball Player in his senior year. Ken went on to graduate from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY with a major in Economics. He then received his MBA from the Syracuse University School of Business. Ken loved his country and felt it was his duty to serve. He was a member of ROTC while at St. Lawrence and was designated as a Distinguished Military Student. He graduated as a Second Lieutenant and served in Vietnam from 1970-1971.

Ken met his wife, Suzanne, in college. They were married and raised their four children in Port Washington, NY, Summit, NJ and Greensboro, NC. Ken's career in business management started at the Block Drug Company in Jersey City, NJ. He eventually moved on to CEO positions in several other companies. Ken was the very definition of a Renaissance Man. Among his many interests were reading the history of Great Britain and America. His interest in the navy inspired him to build plank-on-frame models of the HMS Victory and the USN Constitution. While living in Summit, NJ he developed an interest in growing roses. His rose garden attracted many visitors from a wide area. He also continued his love of baseball and volunteered as a coach with the Summit Junior Baseball League for many years.

Ken was very proud of his Scottish Heritage and decided to learn to play the bagpipes. He played at many weddings of family and friends and was a member of a Pipe Band in Greensboro, NC. He played in a parade in NYC and at the Gathering of 10,000 Pipers in Glasgow, Scotland. But his favorite place to play the pipes was in Thousand Island Park in upstate NY on the St. Lawrence River where the family had a summer home. He would play at sundown and many people would gather to hear Amazing Grace at the end of each day.

Ken was a man of great integrity who held strong values and principles and he never waivered. The most important things in his life were his family and very close friends.

Ken in survived by his mother May Ballantyne, sister Nancy Minnick (nee Ballantyne) and brothers John and Garth; his wife of 52 years Suzanne Ballantyne (nee Payton); daughter Alison Young (nee Ballantyne), son-in-law Joseph and their children Payton, Cameron and Eleanor; son Robert and daughter-in-law Brandi (nee Johnson) and their children Katelyn, Connor and Parker; son Garth and daughter-in-law Meghan(nee Waters) and their children Colin and Avery; son Colin and daughter-in-law Jenny (nee Miller) and their children Paige, Campbell and Reagan.

Ken lost his battle with Parkinson's after many years and countless medical challenges. He taught his family what it means to be strong as they face all of life's challenges.

A Celebration of Life to honor Ken was held at the Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria, VA on Saturday, August 14,2021

Those wishing to honor Ken's life may make a donation in his memory to: Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area