Ballard, Vincent R., 87, of Presque Isle, in Caribou, on April 10, 2012. Interment with military honors will be at Riverside Ext. Cemetery in Washburn at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, Presque Isle.
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Vincent R. Ballard, age 87, passed away Tuesday night April 10, 2012, at Cary Medical Center in Caribou following a brief stay at the Maine Veteran’s Home. He was born on August 17, 1924, in Natick, MA, the son of Charles and Beatrice (Magoon) Ballard.
He grew up in Washburn and was a graduate of Washburn High School, Class of 1942, and attended Ricker Junior College in Houlton.
He served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during WWII in Okinawa, Japan during the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, and the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon.
Vincent worked as potato broker for Aroostook Potato Growers, then became co-owner of Warman and Ballard Seed Co. in Presque Isle. He then established his own successful place of business, the Ballard Seed Company in Presque Isle, retiring at the age of 62. He also held his Real Estate Brokers license and enjoyed dabbling in many real estate ventures throughout the years. Vincent was an avid hunter and fly fisherman and spent many long hours tying his own flies.
He was a devoted father and grandfather, who always enjoyed spending time with family, especially at the camp at Echo Lake. He and his wife were active members at the Presque Isle Country Club where they enjoyed golfing and socializing with their friends. Prior to and after his retirement, he and his wife, Julia, enjoyed spending their winter months in Florida.
He and his wife have been members of the United Church of Christ Congregational Church in Presque Isle, where they worshiped together for over 50 years. Vincent was a member of the American Legion Ray Goding Post #88, Presque Isle, the Presque Isle Lions Club, was past president of the Washburn Rotary Club, was a Masonic member and served as secretary and Pre-sident of the Aroostook Shrine Club. On his 86th birthday, he was presented with his 55th year Masonic pin, as being part of the Trinity Lodge #130 AF&AM.
He is survived by his wife, Julia (Dahlgren) Ballard; a daughter, Sharon Ballard- Johnson and her husband, Jerald, all of Presque Isle; four grandchildren, David and Christopher Beaulieu, Mary Cameron of Portland, and Sarah Stone and her husband, Isaac of Winslow; and one precious great-granddaughter, Rachel Olivia Stone of Winslow. He will be missed greatly by his faithful canine companion, Daisy Dog, who brought him many hours of comfort and joy.
The family would like to express deep love and appreciation to the following personal caregivers for the dedication, kindness, compassion and caring they provided to Vincent in his home: Heidi James, Judi Weatherhead, Tina Saucier, and April Brissette.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 14, 2012, at the United Church of Christ Congregational Church, 29 Church St., Presque Isle with the Rev. Timothy Stohlberg and Pastor Bruce Blakney from the Washburn Pentecostal Church officiating. Music was provided by Rev. Larry and Rebecca Palmer. A luncheon and time of fellowship was held in the church reception hall immediately following the service. Interment with military honors will be at Riverside Ext. Cemetery in Washburn at a later date. Donations may be in his memory to the Central Aroostook Humane Society, 26 Cross St., Presque Isle, or to the House of Comfort, PO Box 766, Presque Isle, ME 04769. Online condolences may be expressed at duncan-graves.com
