Kenneth J. Ballard's Obituary
Kenneth J. “Ken” BallardJan 22 1930 – May 13, 2011Ken Ballard passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his family, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Highland Park, Ill to Berton and Gertrude Ballard, then moved with his family to the Bay Area in 1934. A retired pharmacist, he had a life-long love of learning, graduating first from Cal, then getting his Pharm.D. from UCSF in 1955. Ken married the love of his life Emylou on November 23, 1956 and they had two daughters. Emylou preceded him in death in September 1998. He had a long history of community involvement, including the Boy Scouts, the US Public Health Service, Angeles Girl Scout Council, Los Angeles PTSA, Alameda County Measure A Bond Oversight Committee, and The League of Women Voters.Ken was tirelessly devoted to his extended family, and loved time with them above all else. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Bert and Sue Ballard of Berkeley, his daughters Melissa Ballard of Pacifica and Melanie, and her husband Jared Willson of Piedmont, grandchildren Kenny, Gabriel, Abigail, Rebecca and Nate, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. He is sadly missed by all his family for his ever-present positive attitude, good humor, intelligent and inquisitive mind, and his generous and loving heart.
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