May Bob's memory be eternal. God bless you Bob. Until we meet again and play with all our Antolians.  Pet George for me and tell him I miss him!!!

Dear Bob,

Thank you for the opportunity to help you on your many projects.
Thank you for your stories, especially the story about why and how the Anatolian Sheppard Dog was firmly established by you as a breed in America and became a big part of your life, and how it all started.
Thank you for being a great father in law.

Bob, to say so long, I will leave ewe with a few partying words.
As carnivores devour meat verbivores devour words
I hope your neu life is just as rewording

tom g.


Robert C. “Bob” Ballard:  Patriot, founder, mentor, sounding board, confidant but most of all, friend.
I first met Bob at the 1989 ASDCA board of directors meeting.  By the end of that year’s National Specialty weekend and Gathering of the Clan, I knew that this was a man that I would have gladly followed into combat anytime, anywhere.  For a Marine to say that about a Sailor should tell those of you who understand the relationship between the Marines and the Navy, all you need to know about how much I thought of Bob Ballard.

When Bob asked me to fill a vacant position on the ASDCA Board of Directors, I was happy to do so.  As things worked out, 4 years later, at his request and with his blessing, I ran for President of the ASDCA and served as such for the next 12 years.  During all of those years, anytime I had a question, anytime I needed information about how the Club had always done things, anytime I needed advise or support, all I had to do was call him.  While he was always willing to give his opinion, he never tried to dictate how to do things nor what decisions I should make - I know this to be true because the decisions I made didn’t always make him happy – even though he never reproached or berated me for making them.  To me, this is the true mark of a mentor and friend.  He gave me his opinion and then accepted the decisions I made, as the ultimate responsibility for those decisions were mine alone.

I will miss Bob very much, and if it is meant to be, I will see him again in the fullness of time.  Until that day, Rest in Peace my friend you have earned your place in heaven and your well-deserved rest.


The attached picture was taken in Napa during the 2003 ASDCA Regional Specialty.

Admiral, I bet you looked amazingly sharp in your dress white uniform as St Peter welcomed you through the pearly gates.  I can hear you saying to him, "Sir, Another Sailor reporting." Permission to come aboard!"  St Peter I no doubt responded, "Welcome aboard Commander, now enjoy liberty call for eternity!  And as you take off your uniform and head for liberty call, you are greeted by all your Anatolians in heaven.   I know that you can see each one as they come running to you, to welcome you and lick you up one side and down another.  I wish you a well deserved eternal peace and happiness.  I know you are finally doing all those pushups you told me you were doing.
I'll miss you old friend!  But I know you are in a better place!
Jim

OBITUARY

Robert Clayton Ballard

October 7, 1937 – February 28, 2018

El Cajon Mortuary and Cremation Service

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