Allan Geoffrey Ball

Allan lived a full life as a beloved father to Geoff (Mandy) and Sharon (Mike); Papa to Jayden, Brielle, Emerson, Mary, and Thomas; brother to Brian (Linda), Gary (Claire), and Susan (Brian); and son to Mary Budd and Jim. He was an adored uncle and an admired friend.

Born on July 7, 1954, the second of four children, Al had a curiosity and resourcefulness that shaped his hobbies, his career, and his kids and grandkids. As a teenager he loved tinkering with machines and being outdoors, spending countless hours fishing, camping, and cycling through Greater Vancouver. Later, he built his family’s first home at Heffley Lake before moving to Surrey, where he raised his two children. Al worked a career as a millwright in Vancouver, Nanaimo, and Port Alberni, retiring in 2021.

Al was always excited for his next adventure. When his kids were young, that usually meant camping in the Shuswap, night skiing at Cypress, or finding a blackberry bush to fill a few buckets. After his kids moved out, he travelled to and fell in love with Nicaragua, Italy, Türkiye, Indonesia, and Peru, and he would always make time to visit his kids and grandkids in Calgary. Later in life, he found himself up at Barkerville several times per year, which was certainly symbolic of his love for simpler places and times. No matter where he went, he never hesitated to talk to a stranger and could connect easily with people.

Becoming a Papa was one of Al’s proudest achievements. His grandkids completely adored him and saw him as a real-life explorer who was capable of almost anything. Papa was patient and generous with his time, something his grandkids cherished as much as he did. From reading with them at bedtime to travelling the B.C. Interior, the value of experience is something Papa’s grandkids will never forget.

Al was opinionated, honest, and had a witty sense of humour. His love for good food was outweighed only by his love for good company. He was generous, and rarely visited without bringing moose, lamb, prawns, or halibut he had caught while fishing on the Pacific. Strong and free-spirited, he enjoyed gardening, building, hunting, and riding his motorcycles. His home was modest and reflected his eclectic spirit, filled with tools, keepsakes, and knick-knacks that told a story of a life lived on his own terms.

Allan’s battle with cancer was short but courageous, and it never changed who he was. He was a proud father and Papa, a loyal son and brother, and a man who lived with intent.

A memorial service to celebrate Allan’s life will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at First Memorial Funeral Services Fraser Heights Chapel (14835 Fraser Highway, Surrey). Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories.