It is with great sadness that the family of Peter Ballan Sr. announces his passing on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Pete was born on Nov. 5, 1925 in Fort Frances to George and Lena Ballan.
He joined the Royal Canadian Navy at the age of 18, serving during WWII in the North Atlantic on convoy duty. After the war, he returned to Fort Frances working as a switchman at the Falls Railroad and later with MD&W.
He loved to be outdoors, hunting and fishing. He went on many trips, exploring Canada from coast to coast, as well to the Artic. He met a lot of nice people working in the outdoors and made a lot of good friends.
Pete was well-known for his great sense of humour.
He was united in marriage to Sophie Wihnan on Feb. 26, 1949 and they recently celebrated 67 years together.
Pete leaves behind his wife, Sophie; children, Toni Anderson (Charlie) of Eagan, Mn. and Dorlene Parsons (Don) of Lakefield, Ont.; grandchildren, Sherri, Shane (Stephanie), Kelly, Brett, and Sean (Julie); great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Paige, Brooklyn, Nora, and Steven; sister, Eileen (Richard) Tremblay of Port Albernie, B.C.; brother, David of Billings, Mont.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He also is survived by his cat, Lucy.
Pete was predeceased by his son, Peter William Ballan on Nov. 23, 2007; parents, George and Lena; five brothers and one sister; and son-in-law, Charlie.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
The honourary pallbearers will be Brad Bingham, Lee Bingham, Travis Chabot, Gerry Lambert, and Jean Camirand.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to La Verendrye General Hospital, the Salvation Army, or “Friends of Animals.”
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
PETER BALLAN SR.
