Early Tuesday morning, at 12:33 am, we received a text from my Mom into our family group text telling us that my Poppy passed away.
I shot right up in bed and the tears started flowing.
I couldn’t believe my Poppy was gone.
The man I’ve seen almost weekly my entire life.
My Poppy, Fred S. Ball, lived a great life. He made many momentous changes for the state of Utah and impacted every persons life he came in contact with, for the better.
He was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in 1998. His doctor told him before the Whipple operation that he had a 3% chance of living three months and a 1% chance of living one year—
That was 17 years ago.
So now you know why we call him a warrior.
He fought so hard and defied all odds against his health.
He was a warrior for the state of Utah by playing a large role in bringing the Jazz, the 2002 Winter Olympics, and the International Airport to our great state.
He was a prominent business & community leader to many.
He was the first person I knew that was Gluten Free.
He always said, “Isn’t your nana a great lady?”
He loved the game of baseball.
He made the perfect ice cream sundaes.
He always wore bright polo shirts & loafers.
His dog, Sir Winston, was his best buddy.
He was fascinated by traveling the world.
He loved Utah Football and Basketball.
He said “Hi ya pal!!!” every time you walked through his door.
Throughout his countless days in the hospital, the staff always loved him because he was so kind and happy despite his circumstances.
My love for good food comes from him.
He loved watching me dance all growing up and even at BYU.
He taught me to believe in myself.
He told me anything was possible.
He adored Will and is so proud of his decision to pursue medicine.
His 4 daughters meant the world to him.
He is now my angel up above watching over me.
During his final days, I asked him what advice he had for Will and I and he told me the above statement.
A quote I will definitely cherish forever!
I love you Poppy.
God be with you until we meet again.
Anyone interested in seeing a video from KSL News or Press articles on my grandpa see here:
(KSL News)
Fred Ball, longtime Utah booster, dies after a life of pitching the place he loved.
(SL Tribune)
