Anthony "Tony" Collin Busch-Ballou

Anthony Collin Busch-Ballou, "Tony", took his final breath in the arms of his family, at home on May 1, 2025, at 7:21pm. Tony was 28, just 5 days shy of his 29th birthday. Tony died from complications in his 5-year battle with brain cancer. In December of 2023, we learned his tumor had jumped grades, barring a miracle there was no path we could take for a cure, the doctors measured his young life in months.

Tony was still determined to live and enjoy life. He faced this journey with unimaginable bravery, strength, compassion, humor, courage, and selflessness. His fight surpassed every timeline the doctors gave him; he always said he could get through the rough days because of the love and support of the family he was lucky enough to be born into, his "girls" and the family of friends he got to choose. He knew we would not define his life as "the guy with brain cancer."

Tony will forever be remembered as hysterically funny to the bitter end, still trying to get his mom to do one more "spit take". You could say anything about Tony, but boring was not one of them. Tony chose to live fully in the present moment- something he did all his life to the consternation of his parents. Tony found a poem in 2023 that was written the year he was born. He would often share, late, late at night, when secrets were often told, about living and loving and how he chose to spend his "Dash." The author of the poem, Linda Ellis, really got it right when she said, "And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth."

Born May 6th, 1996, Tony embraced his life with an unmatched sparkle. From an early age he loved to make people laugh, and his laughter was infectious. He truly enjoyed playing games with his family and friends (and it's still a no: ding-dong-ditch is not a game, neither is beer keg stands- y'all know who you are and so does Tony's mom). Tony loved his parents, adored his sisters, revered his grandparents, treasured his dogs, and cherished his extended family and friends. He loved taking his precious girls, Izzy and Mocha, for long walks, taking them to the dog park, and teaching them how to protect his little sister. He had so much fun hiking in the woods with his friends (his mom knows the shenanigan's y'all got up to) and his dogs.

Tony was not a fan of school but loved the trappings. He so enjoyed his friends, walking the fine line of making his teachers laugh and pissing them off, playing basketball, football, and lacrosse. While Tony struggled with reading in his early life he loved to be read to, he loved reading to his little sister, and then just reading anything that held his attention and interested him. It was a true miracle when he graduated Woodstock High School, you could say his parents said that but those were Tony's words; his parents believed it but never said it.

Tony wanted to enjoy life before college, so he waited a couple of years, as he said he needed a break, but when he knew what he wanted to do, he went full-throttle studying engineering and made the dean's list for straight A's 3 years in a row; something that made him laugh, and be proud of at the same time. Tony never got to complete college; it was just one of his unfinished dreams.

Tony had a plethora of passions that colored his life and those he loved. He felt extremely blessed to have worked beside his father, Greg, and his Uncle David, learning how to master carpentry, electrical, and plumbing. He loved books, X-box, movies, swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, and hiking. He loved basketball, baseball, and football - both the playing and the watching. He loved to go to the beach and Disneyworld with his family. Additionally, from an early age he always wanted to find his "person" and fall in love. He hopes that those who are blessed enough to find their "person" will cherish that person.

Tony will be profoundly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. His compassion for others, his laughter, love, and his vibrant spirit have left an undeniable mark of light in our hearts.

While we grieve his loss, his light is strong and every time we think of him, his memory shines on.

Tony is survived by his father and mother, Greg Ballou and Tammy Busch-Ballou, his older sister and brother-in law, Jordan and Luis Fernandez-Davila, his younger sister, Isabella Busch-Ballou, his beloved grandparents, David and Barbara Busch, his Uncle Charles & Aunt Kate Busch, his Aunt Cindi Ballou, his cousins, Ashley Busch, Matthew Painter, and Will Painter, and his precious fur-babies, Izzy and Mocha. Tony is preceded in death by his grandmother, Shirley Ballou and his grandfather, Bob Ballou, as well as his uncles, Anthony "Tony" James Busch, and David Eugene Andrew Busch.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me, please try to

understand, That an angel came and called my name, and took

me by the hand; The angel said my place was ready,

In Heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave behind all those I

dearly love. But when I walked through Heaven's Gates,

I felt so much at home, for God looked down,

smiled at me, And told me "Welcome Home."

So when tomorrow starts without me, Don't think

we're far apart, for every time you think of me,

I'm right there in your heart.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, at Woodstock Funeral Home, 8855 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia. Immediately following at 3:00 PM, a service for Tony will be in the chapel at Woodstock Funeral Home.

For your consideration in lieu of flowers it was Tony's wish for those who would like to honor him to please make a donation to his memory to assist others. Tony's specific choices were the American Brain Tumor Association at abta.org, the Humane World of Animals at humaneworld.org, and Reading Is Fundamental at rif.org