FRANCIS CHARLES (FRANK) BALL

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FRANCIS CHARLES (FRANK) BALL March 11, 1920 - January 12, 2006 Frank passed away peacefully at Grace Hospital. He had a long and good life, and successfully battled cancer for the past nine years before it finally claimed him. Dad passes on to be with his sister Dorothy; his first wife Ellen; his sister-in-law Edith; his brother-in-law Ken; his son-in-law Jim, and many other friends and relatives who have passed before him. He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife Sally; his daughter Maureen and son-in-law Dick; his daughter Valerie; his son Ken and friend Karen; his grandsons, Ken, Jamie, and Kevin and granddaughter Jill; his sister-in-law Margaret, and his many, many friends, neighbours, and other relatives. Dad made friends with all who met him, and was proud to have maintained many of those friendships throughout his life. He was born and lived his entire life in Winnipeg, except for three years spent with the R.C.A.F. in England during the Second World War. He spent most of his working life at Richardson Securities, and was always very proud to have worked with the company for so many years. Some of the greatest highlights of his retirement were attending the Richardson company barbeques, Christmas and 25 year dinners, where he could visit with his many friends from his working years. Just before Christmas he attended what I believe to be his 54th consecutive Richardson Christmas party. Dad loved to get together for dinners and special occasions with his family and friends. Dad battled his cancer the same way that he lived his life - calmly and proudly, and one day at a time. Thankfully he was able to still do all the things he enjoyed most right up to the final few weeks. Our family would like to pass on a special thank you to Dr. Harris and the wonderful nurses and staff at CancerCare Manitoba at The Grace for their superb treatment of my Dad's cancer, which allowed him to live his life fully right to the final days. Most of my Dad's last few weeks were spent on Ward 3-West/South at The Grace, and we really cannot find words that are adequate to describe the patient and loving care that the nurses and staff there gave to my father. It was very reassuring for our family to know that when we could not be with Dad, that he was being so well looked after. We also want to thank his closest friends and neighbours who were always there to help Sally and the family while Dad was in hospital. In lieu of flowers, we ask that all my Dad's friends and relatives consider a donation in his name to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Inc., or to the Grace Hospital, so that they may continue their wonderful work. There will be no immediate funeral, but we will be announcing a gathering of family and friends sometime in the spring to remember and celebrate Dad's life.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2006