Donald Wayne (Don) Ballan

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Donald Wayne Ballan at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont. on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2006.
Don was born Oct. 19, 1941 in Fort Frances to the late George and Lena Ballan, where he had lived all his life. He had worked as a laborer for I.B.T. (Abitibi).
He was an avid outdoorsman and a member of the Fort Frances Sportsmen’s Club. He loved hunting, fishing, and gardening. Don also liked watching sports on TV and had played hockey in his younger days, as well as playing linament league hockey in his later years.
His passion was his garden and he was known for his meticulous yard. He was an unassuming man who loved the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Don was united in marriage on Nov. 27, 1965 to the former Judy Walls, who survives along with their son, Steve, of Fort Frances and his children, Jessica, Carissa, Brittany, and Joey, and son, Kent and his fiancé, Michelle Lessard of Fort Frances.
Also surviving is his step-father-in-law, Norman Halverson of International Falls, Mn.; brothers Pete (Sophie) of Fort Frances, Ont. and Dave (Chrystee-Lea) of Billings, Mont.; sister, Eileen (Richard) Tremblay of Port Alberni, B.C.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other in-laws in Canada and the United States.
He was predeceased by his parents, George and Lena Ballan; four brothers, Ernie, George, Willie, and Vic; two sisters, Sophie Straume and Linda in infancy; father-in-law, Bill Walls; and mother-in-law Norma Walls-Halverson.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2006 from 1-3 p.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances, with Jack Cameron officiating.
The honourary pallbearers will be Al Kennett, Jim Fowler, Pat Bartel, Ken (Chick) Faragher, Barry Mosbeck, Karl Lipinski, Sambo Fedoruk, and Doug Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8 or to the “Just Imagine” campaign for a CT Scanner at La Verendrye General Hospital c/o Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.