Frank Edward Ball

Peacefully, on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, beloved Husband of June Ball (nee Young) passed away at St. Boniface Hospital in his 89th year.

He was predeceased by his brother Arthur Ball, Sisters Edna MacKay and Isabella (Bella) Budgell.

Frank leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of 65 years June Ball; brother-in-law Lawrence Young; sons Kenneth (Margaret), Allan (Susan), Brian; grandchildren Alanna (Nathan) Isaak, Ryan (Kristin) Ball, GayleAnne (Christopher) Meuleman, Melanie (Timothy) Poole, Lindsay Ball, Christopher (Kaitlin) Ball, and great-grandchildren Aeben & Talia (Isaak), Ethan Ball and Justin (Poole); as well as numerous nieces, nephews and relatives in Canada and England.

Born in Winnipeg on January 31, 1924 at the family home on Ferry Road, Frank lived most of life in the Riverview Area of Fort Rouge with his family. Later, he and June lived at South Osborne Place, and then Seine River Retirement Residence.

His Father; Ernest Frank Ball was a Horticulturalist for the City of Winnipeg from 1919 to 1954. Dad had the pleasure of growing up at a residence within Kildonan Park, and later the residence adjoining the Assiniboine Park Conservatory. This experience left Dad with a passion for gardening that he carried throughout his life.

His Father also taught him golf and curling, which were sports he enjoyed playing, as well as watching. Frank’s favorite sport growing up was Hockey, and he played for the team the “Royals”. Years later, Dad could often be found skating at St. Vital Park, and the Ft. Rouge Leisure Centre.

Frank was employed with the Manitoba Telephone System. He started as a delivery boy relaying mail via street car to various exchanges around Winnipeg. He retired as a Communications Supervisor after 41 years of service.

He was enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy during WW II, and spent most of his active service patrolling the coast line of the Maritimes.

Shortly after he married June in 1947, they set up homestead in Riverview, where they together raised their three sons. Being raised in the natural beauty of Winnipeg Parks, he was not content staying indoors. He was always outside “puttering around” his garden and yard. He was also an avid camper and the boys grew up traveling and camping across the nation. In later years, he and June travelled extensively to international destinations.

A quiet man, he was never at a loss of quick retorts and one-line quips.

A memorial service will be held at Thomson “In the Park, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., on Friday, November 9, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. followed immediately by a reception.

The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to people that have provided care and shown compassion and helped make Frank’s last couple of years enjoyable and comfortable, in particular Seine River Retirement Community staff, WRHA home care workers, and the staff at St. Boniface General Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6, or to a favorite charity.