Letter to the Gazette, re: Walt Ball memorial

We attended the service for Walt Ball, Ralph going as representing the VFW, opening song "The Lord's Prayer" was sung by past supervisor Russ Thomas, eulogy was spoken by Jack Cox, attendance by many folks, from his years in LAFD a flag that was flown on his old ship was presented to Virginia, his son Mark gave everyone a wonderful glimpse through slideshow of his wit and his talents. Walt threw himself body and soul into his commitment to family, his job, his friends and neighbors, the local fire department, and his church. His daughter Ginny offered a video of home movies of his years, Johnny Jordan offered a violin solo, Laurie Milbridge sang a beautiful version of "Amazing Grace"and much more.

Through and through, this was the most interesting service we have ever attended, with everyone reuniting from years past and present, laughing--which Walt would have loved, crying--but with all honor due a man who left this world better than he entered it.

Our daughter Aya knew him better than we did, going to school with his granddaughter Nicole at Bret Harte, and couldn't attend, and, I think, thousands of others would have loved to be there [he touched many many lives], but in these times we honored a man we were humbled to have known, from our town of Copper.

 

Historic Armory building hosted a potluck reception for everyone afterwards which we weren't able to stay for.

 

Eva Murphy

Celebration of the life of Walt Ball

Celebration of the Life of Walt Ball
Saturday, April 21st
11:00 AM  at Crossroads Church (historic red brick church on Main Street)
followed by Buffet Lunch at the Copperopolis Armory.
785-4463

Walt Ball has sadly passed away 4-14-12

 Walt and Viginia Ball 2011(photo by Sandy Rollings)

“Since moving here, both Walt and Virginia have been a great asset to the community and were active in many local organizations,” said President of the Copperopolis Community Center Sandy Rollings.

When Walt retired from the Los Angeles Fire Department in 1990 he and his wife Virginia made Copperopolis their home. Walt had spent the last ten years of his career as Captain on Fireboat 5 and was instrumental in developing Los Angles Dive/Water rescue Team. He was the first member of the L.A. City Fire to ever receive not one, but two Medals of Valor for his actions.

Walt, with his expertise in fire fighting, served on the Copperopolis Fire Protection District Board of Directors. He also was a founding member of the Copperopolis Area Business Association and Board Member of the Copper cove Homeowners Association.

The following is a submitted obituary on 4-16-12