Obituary of Ronald "Ron" James Howard Ballard

Ron passed away peacefully at the age of 71 on Monday, March 31, 2025, at the Ottawa General Hospital.  He was the loving son of the Late Ralph Ballard and Late Dorothy Ballard (nee Cole).  He leaves behind his son Cole Ballard, his sister Nancy Matthiesen, his nieces Shannon Ballard, and Amie Kosabek (predeceased in 2021).  He was a Great Uncle to Jordan, Dryden, and Joshua. Ron was previously married to Karen Ballard (nee Haines) for many years while raising their son, Cole.

 

Later in life, Ron met his new partner, Pierre Prieur (predeceased in 2021).  He was Pierre’s caregiver, best friend, and lifelong companion. 

 

As a young boy, Ron was very talented musically and sang in his Aunt Wendy's church choir.  He also took piano lessons in his youth, as well as tap dancing with Nancy.  Nancy and Ron were the best of friends throughout most of their young lives.  Ron enjoyed the outdoors - swimming, water skiing and boating.  He even tried out downhill skiing. 

 

Ron was a natural caregiver at heart, nursing his grandmother, Gladys Ballard during her final days at her home on Grandview Road, in Ottawa.  He was also at Nancy's side to help her raise his nieces during a large portion of their childhood; as well as helping others in need.  He went so far as to enroll and attend classes in nursing school in Toronto. 

 

Ron retired from Algonquin College after working for several years in Shipping & Receiving in Ottawa.

 

We would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at the Ottawa General Hospital in the ICU unit for the compassionate care during his last remain days.  Thank you to Kevin Hall for all the love and care he provided to Ron during the last year.  He often expressed his gratitude towards everything you did for him. Lastly, thank you to Scott McDonald for being a good friend and providing extra support to him when he needed a friend to lean on.  The unconditional love that all his friends provided to him are not forgotten.

 

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society is greatly appreciated.