Allistair Merryck Ball was born in Durban, South Africa on 9th, July 1943.
Allistair’s family, with aching hearts, announce the sudden loss of their beloved Husband, Father, Grandpa and Friend, at midnight on Friday 18th, September 2020.
Al leaves behind his beloved wife Wendy of 60 years, and his deeply loved family. His children Tracey and Erik, Brad and Barbs, sister-in-law Terry (Danny), the grandchildren he adored - Rachel, Tim and Nikola, Josh, Ashleigh and Emily, and many dearly loved nieces, nephews and close friends.
Predeceased by his parents Victor and Daphne Ball, his sister Wendy (Bill), his loving in-laws Bernie and Hazel Hill and sister-in-law Lynne.
Al loved Wendy, his children and grandchildren more than anything in the world and the years of fun, laughter, family events and holidays together brought him the greatest joy. For them too he was a fun Grandpa.
Al’s adventurous spirit led him to Karoi, Rhodesia at the age of 17 to farm with family. It was there that he met the love of his life Wendy and they embarked on a lifetime of love and laughter.
Al’s love of nature led to many exciting adventures with his family in the Zambezi Valley - often risky and off the beaten track - a common thread throughout his life.
Al’s leadership qualities and his way with people served him well as a decorated Major in the Rhodesian Military (5RR / RLI).
His military experiences prepared him for the launch of his entrepreneurial business pursuits
incorporating wide international travel. Al moved his family to Cape Town, South Africa in 1985 continuing his travels throughout Southern Africa.
In 1999 Al and Wendy moved to Canada to join their family where Al embarked upon a successful new career in property management. In British Columbia Al continued to embrace his love of nature and fishing.
Following a life altering workplace accident, Al embraced the opportunity to participate in voluntary conservation efforts specifically involving the rivers of BC and the protection of the salmon habitat.
Al served as Vice President of BC Federation of Drift Fishers (BCFDF), Board member of Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) and was active in liaison with First Nations communities. Most recently, Al was instrumental in supporting the successful implementation of the Big Bar initiative on the lower Fraser River enabling the continued migration and preservation of wild salmon for generations to come.
Al’s caring heart and sense of humour endeared him to all. He was generous and big hearted; his presence filled the room.
Throughout his life Al was undaunted in the face of adversity, and faced health challenges in recent years with courage and tenacity. Now safe in the arms of Jesus. View Tribute Book.
December 2nd, 2022
Hi Wendy
It’s Tracy (previously from #61- with the cookie girls).
I’m so very sorry to hear about Allistair. I just saw the announcement online, though I’m several months behind. I was thinking of him today, when someone drove by who looked like him in a similar vehicle, though I’m living on the Island now and I figured it unlikely. Please know we will all be thinking of you and your family. You and Allistair really were the heart of Sagebrook and it wasn’t the same without you. You are both often in my happy memories there.
With love,
Tracy
December 2nd, 2022
My deepest condolences. Will miss my dear friend.
Jim Hunter
December 2nd, 2022
My apologies for this late entry. Allistair was a friend and a great supporter of anything Rhodesian and his passing will leave a hole not only in the lives of his family, but in the lives of his extended worldwide family of Rhodesians. Please accept our sincerest sympathies Wendy on the passing of your beloved Al. Our hearts ache with you and we will keep you and him in our prayers. Love Annette and Chris
December 2nd, 2022
As a young child, my granny would often tell me about her much beloved younger brother Allistair.
It was however only after her passing that we had the opportunity to make contact through Facebook.
Uncle Al had sent me an invite and ever since he has always been the first to like a post or comment on a photo.
It wasn't much later after that, that we started talking; first we just sent emails and then the emails grew into hour long telephone conversations.
I quickly realised that uncle Al lived up to all my Granny's praise; we spoke about family, his adventures, my own adventures life in general.
It was in one of these conversations that I explained to Uncle Al that he was my only connection to the Ball side of the family, whom I knew so little about.
Once he realised this, he eagerly agreed to answer all my questions and freely shared tons of memories from his own childhood.
He even went through great effort to scan in and email me all his family photos, writing detailed descriptions for each.
The family history and memories he shared with me, I will forever treasure.
I was truly saddened by the news of uncle Al's passing and I will forever miss our conversations.
Uncle Al's commitment to family and his sense of adventure resonated with me deeply.
HE, WILL TRULY BE MISSED
Sincerely
Aiden
December 2nd, 2022
I noticed an omission on the wall. Al was attached to the BSA Police where he worked with me at the Joint Operational Command(JOC) Base situated at Makuti. We ran a 24 hour permanent Road Block searching vehicles.
Al, of course got down to the job with his normal vigour and that big smile. Nothing seemed to faze him.
There is an expression in the military. An Officer and a Gentleman. I served with many officers who by no stretch of the imagination could be described as gentlemen.
Al was an Officer and a Gentleman. I salute him.
When I think back I never heard Al say a bad word about anyone. Any job he was given no matter what, he smiled and just got down to work.
Although we have been many miles away from each other Al had always been in my thoughts.
Hamba Gahle Shamwari
R.I.P. Big Al.
Chunky
December 2nd, 2022
Dear Wendy and family
We have many happy memories of you all. One that is still clear is Al meeting Wendy at the station as we came home from TTC at weekends, complete with our biology experiments of tobacco plant for Wendy and my cabbage plant. They usually didn't survive the trips so every time was a new plant! His cheerful encouragement helped us cope! Don't know if we ever succeeded in growing the plants!
We also have very happy memories of staying with you all in Cape Town.
Much love to you all , Don, Lyn and Tony
We pray for the peace of God and his comfort on you all at this sad time.
Lyn
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