David Ballenger, 63, died peacefully in his sleep December 11th, 2018. David was born in Washington, D.C. on October 21, 1955 with Downs Syndrome. Some call this a disability, but David was a blessing to all who knew him.
David’s parents moved the family to Boulder in 1961 so that David could attend the Ruth Woods School for Developmental Disabilities. David flourished with the help of the school, staff and love of family.
He learned to read, write and do basic math, read a bus schedule and get anywhere he wanted.
David won many ribbons and medals through Special Olympics. He was a particularly good swimmer and won awards at national Special Olympics.
He worked a lot of different jobs including organizing magazines at Eads News and Smoke Shop and janitorial work at the Boulder Dinner Theater.
David loved TV, movies and theater and always wanted to be in show business. He participated in several local theater productions.
He lived independently for nearly 30 years in Boulder and Louisville. He maintained his own apartment for many years and was very highly functioning.
When he needed more help, David lived for almost 5 years at Marycrest Assisted Living in Denver where he received wonderful care. The last nine months he was blessed to receive outstanding, loving care at Broomfield Skilled Nursing Center. David also received excellent care from Denver Hospice the last five months.
He is preceded in death by his parents Rose and George Ballenger. David is survived by his brother, Roger and sister-in-law Mary, sister Rebecca and brother-in-law Bill Mack, sister Evelyn Vess and brother-in-law Grant Needham, as well as nephews and nieces.
A funeral mass will be held 10 am Monday December 17, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 715 Cabrini Dr. Lafayette, CO.
Donations may be made in David's name to: Special Olympics, Attn: Web Gifts, 1133 19th Street NW, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20036-3604, www.specialolympics.org; or Imagine! Foundation, c/o Patti Micklin, 1400 Dixson Ave., Lafayette, CO 80026, imaginecolorado.org.
To send condolences please go to www.cristmortuary.com
