Donald James Ball

Ball, Donald James - On Monday, February 5, 2018, at PRHC Palliative Care, Donald passed into the presence of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in his 88th year. Beloved husband of Lynda (Nichols) for over 64 years and treasured father of Deborah (Stephen Peel), Lori (John Mackay), Suzanne (Tom McDonald), Kimberley (Barry Hayward), and Andrea (Stephen Barrett). Much loved Papa to Jonathan, Andrew (Rebecca), and Matt (Carol) Mackay; Rebecca (Sam) and Jacquie McDonald; Jacob Olesiuk; and Michael and Graeme Barrett. Doting Great-Papa to Camdyn, Caleb, and Colin Mackay; Luke and Grace Mackay; and Blair McPherson.
Don was born in Hamilton, Ontario, on October 5th, 1930, to Harold and Annie Loretta (Bradley) Ball. He became cherished big brother to (the late) Shirley (late Grant Faulds) and (the late) Nancy (Ken Hawthorne).
Raised in Peterborough, his early jobs included morning newspaper delivery, cleaning gladioli bulbs for his gardening parents, long shifts at Johnson Greenhouses, and a draftsman position for Ontario Hydro. He married his “Big Red” on September 23rd, 1953, becoming a special brother-in-law to Ruth (John Rexe) predeceased; Jean (late Frank Hancock); Mary Lou (Jim Howitt) predeceased; Elizabeth (Trevor Lillico) predeceased; Philip (Pat) Nichols predeceased; and David (Nancy) Nichols. He will be fondly remembered by many cousins, nieces, and nephews from the Ball, Bradley, Nichols, and Tanner clans. He gave a loving home to his mother-in-law, Mary Jane Nichols (Tanner), for many years, adding to the richness of our family life.
After a stint in the navy serving at HMCS Shearwater and on the HMCS Quebec, he began a lifetime career in the budget department at Outboard Marine. After he retired, he looked forward to his monthly retiree lunch reunions. He served as a lieutenant in the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment reserve unit for several years. Of all God’s gifts to him, he loved his wife, family, friends, music, ships, and gardens best. His legacy includes his work ethic, his self-discipline and perseverance, his deep commitment to our mother, and his special recipes. Visitation will take place Friday, February 9, 2018 from  6-9 p.m., at Highland Park Funeral Centre (2510 Bensfort Rd.). A Service of remembrance will take place Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 1 p.m., at St. Luke’s Anglican Church (566 Armour Rd.). The Rev. Glenn Empey officiating. While Dad loved flowers, he preferred that donations be made to St. Luke’s Anglican Church, his faith community where he enjoyed serving in various ways as part of their gospel outreach for many years.
 Our family would like to thank Drs. Webster, Pandya, Brown, and Beamish, as well as the wonderful nurses of ICU, 4B, and Palliative Care, who served Dad well during his illness. Their kind and compassionate treatment of Dad and our family helped us immeasurably during this very difficult time. Online Book of Condolence may be signed at www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com