"Walt" was born May 2, 1941 in Everett, Washington to parents Harry Frederick and Josephine Marie (Danner) Ballard. He was a lifelong resident of Washington State. He leaves behind his loving wife, Deborah Ann (Smith) Ballard; sister Beverly Doleshel (Mike); son Dane Ballard (Tanya)(Aria); daughter Shelly Riegger (Russ); daughter Kandi Coughlin (Shad); daughter Nancy (Greg); step-daughter Chandra Holmes (Jesse). Walt also leaves behind 9 grandchildren: Richard Riegger, Kristina Hiatt, Stephennie Mewbourn, Jonathan Seek, Tristen Conaway, Taylor Conaway, Sammy Ballard, Angel Ballard, Dyllan Ballard and 3 great-grandchildren: Addison Seek, Athen Seek and Ashlynn Hiatt. Other family and extended-family members, too numerous to mention, were nonetheless equally treasured by Walt.
Walt was preceded in death by his mother, father, step-mother; Carrie Marie Ballard, two brothers; Stanley Ballard and Baby Ballard, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Walt and Debbie were united in love through matrimony on December 1, 2001 overlooking the Puget Sound in Redondo, Washington. Their reception dinner and honeymoon were also spent overlooking that same area of water. They shared many of their fondest wedding anniversaries at their beloved Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort on Agate Pass.
Walt devoted 52 years of his life to the transportation industry in several different capacities: Mechanic/Lube Man, School Bus Driver, Charter Bus Driver, Dispatcher, Road Supervisor, Safety Officer, Terminal Manager, Office Manager and Transportation Director. At the peak of his career he was responsible for 75 buses, 150 maintenance vehicles and 85 employees. He was instrumental in getting the State of Washington to put glow-in-the-dark strips around the backs of buses that are seen today. He was named employee of the year in 2008 and had many other numerous awards. He could operate over 21 types of buses and was able to parallel park a 50-footer like it was a Mini Cooper. Walt retired 4 times. The first time was in 1992 after 31 years of service to 2 different school districts. The second time he retired was in 2003 after his wife received an inheritance. The third time he retired was in 2005 to travel to 7 different states and 2 provinces in his 37-foot motorhome RV (he was STILL driving a bus). The last time was in 2013 and he actually retired, finally.
At age 8, Walt contracted Rheumatic fever that was originally misdiagnosed-he spent 1 month in a coma and an entire year in the hospital, eventually becoming the welcoming ambassador to other children who were admitted. Because of his hospitalization, he graduated from Everett High School one year later than when he was supposed to in 1960. Walt also attended Edmonds Community College between 1970-1973 taking courses that were related to his Management/Director positions.
At age 11 years old, Walt had the opportunity to ride in the famous Slo-Mo hydroplane which spurned a lifelong love of Seattle Seafair Hydroplane racing. Years later he volunteered to be a coach operator taking Ronald McDonald House/Seattle Children's Hospital families to huge celebrations at Seafair and the Argosy Christmas Ship that were escorted each time by police squad car or motorcycle motorcades.
Walt was an avid elk hunter, so much so, that he went hunting at age 48 a mere 3 weeks after receiving aortic valve replacement surgery. Walt also enjoyed golf, and he loved old gospel and country western music. Walt had a real passion for baseball (and football as well). As a teenager he was scouted out by a professional baseball team, the Cinncinati Redlegs, who wanted him to join their league. Unfortunately his father was injured at the time and he turned down the offer to be the sole bread winner for his immediate family. Family always came first with Walt and sometimes he would work 3 different jobs just to make sure they had wonderful memorable vacations together. Walt's favorite time was Thanksgiving because of the gathering of his beloved family and of course, the food which he thoroughly savored (and not just at Thanksgiving!) Walt liked to consume good food, but he could also cook it, as well. Walt loved the movie 'Dances with Wolves' and he watched it over and over. At Christmas, Walt never missed watching 'It's A Wonderful Life.' Walt often thought he was a reincarnated Major for the North during the Civil War.
Walt was one-of-a-kind, with a unique ability for story-telling that he peppered with an enormous amount of quick wit. He will be sorely missed and was greatly loved. He made a lasting impact on every one who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to: the American Heart Association; the American Diabetes Association; the National Kidney Foundation or Wesley Lea Hill Rehabilitation Center in Auburn, Washington.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/tacoma-cremation for the Ballard family.
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