PRESQUE ISLE – Vincent R. Ballard, 87, passed away Tuesday night, April 10, 2012, at Cary Medical Center, Caribou, after a brief illness. He was born Aug. 17, 1924, in Natick, Mass., son of Charles and Beatrice (Magoon) Ballard.
He grew up in Washburn, was a graduate of Washburn High School, class of 1942, and attended Ricker College, Houlton. He served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during World War II 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 Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon. Vincent worked as potato broker for Aroostook Potato Growers, then became co-owner of Warman and Ballard Seed Co., Presque Isle. He then established his own successful place of business, Ballard Seed Co., Presque Isle, retiring at age 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 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 United Church of Christ Congregational Church, Presque Isle, where they worshiped together for more than 50 years. Vincent was a member of American Legion Ray Goding Post No. 88, Presque Isle; Presque Isle Lions Club; was past president of Washburn Rotary Club; was a Masonic member; and served as secretary and president of Aroostook Shrine Club. On his 86th birthday, he was presented with his 55th year Masonic pin, as being part of the Trinity Lodge No. 130 AF & AM.
He is survived by his wife, Julia (Dahlgren) Ballard; daughter, Sharon Ballard-Johnson and husband, Jerald, all of Presque Isle; and four grandchildren, David and Christopher Beaulieu, and Mary Cameron of Portland, and Sarah Stone and 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.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, at United Church of Christ Congregational Church, 29 Church St., Presque Isle, with the Rev. Timothy Stohlberg officiating. A luncheon and time of fellowship will be held in the church reception hall immediately after the service. Interment with military honors will be at a later date at Riverside Extension Cemetery, Washburn. Donations may be in his memory to Central Aroostook Humane Society, 26 Cross St., Presque Isle, ME 04769; or House of Comfort, P.O. Box 766, Presque Isle, ME 04769. Online condolences may be expressed at
www.duncan-graves.com.