David Thomas Ballard
-- 1955 ~ 2010 --

David Thomas Ballard (55) died suddenly of a cardiac arrest at the Orem Costco Wednesday, October 27, 2010.

David was the second son of Mona Rae Maw and Richard Derrall Ballard, and was born on May 17, 1955 in SLC, UT. David grew up in Salt Lake City, graduating from Highland High in '73. A high school highlight was the Red Feather Band. He was a gifted, versatile, rock-solid drummer who was sought after by many musicians.

David served an LDS mission to Kobe, Japan ('74-'76) and graduated with a BA in Japanese from BYU in '80. At BYU he finally met and married the love of his life, Patricia Diane Styles, on October 3, 1980 in the Salt Lake Temple. With the "wife of his youth," they had five smart, wonderful children. They enjoyed their 30th anniversary just weeks before his death.

David served in many positions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints and was currently serving in the High Priest Group Leadership. David began his professional career in international business, working for Interact in Tokyo, Japan (1981); Chiyoda Chemical Engineering Corp ('81-'83); and Mitsubishi Corp in L.A.('84-'86). After his father's own untimely death, David decided he no longer would work with money--but with, and for people. He received a MA in Social Work at BYU in '88. After earning his LCSW, he worked for various organizations, including Utah State Prison where he helped develop the mental health and woman's substance abuse programs. After ten years at the prison, he developed a thriving full-time private practice, working with all ages and aspects of mental health. He received his 20 year recognition from IHC for serving as an on-call, crisis social worker. He was a respected clinician and beloved therapist.

David was a World War II enthusiast and voracious reader of all things non-fiction. He had an insatiable curiosity spanning all genres and eras. He participated in two archeological digs in Israel; scuba dived in all the usual places; had a shark encounter in the coral reefs of Ras Mohammed; flew twice in a WWII B-17, once each in a B-24, a B-25, and a Skyraider, and helped in the restoration a B-17 in Kissimmee, Florida. (He will be disappointed that the exact nose versions of these planes are not identified.)

He experienced many tender mercies from the Lord. He followed the voice of the spirit, which led him to many productive experiences, friendships, and adventures. David loved his children, the doctrine of the LDS church, and helping people solve their problems. He challenged his children to work hard, be strong, and be true. David is survived by his wife, Diane; children, Jessica Rose, Justin David (Christina), Mackenzie Rae, Walker Thomas, and Mckay Wesley; his mother, Mona Rae Maw Ballard Cole, and brother, Marc C. (Julie) Ballard. He was preceded in death by his father, R. Derrall Ballard and his brother John L. Ballard. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 10:00 am at the American Fork 37th Ward Chapel, 396 North 1100 East, American Fork, Utah. Please celebrate David's life at a viewing on Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm also at the church and an additional viewing at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00 to 9:45 am prior to services. Burial will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Funeral Directors - Warenski Funeral Home of American Fork, Utah.