John Hafen Ballard
John Hafen Ballard, 75, passed away unexpectedly on September 13, 2024, in Soda Springs, Idaho, due to unknown causes. He was born on January 7, 1949, in Hurricane, Utah, to Orien Lloyd Ballard and Agnes Myrla Hafen.
John was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his four children: Carrie (Brian) Toms, Heather (Clark) Anderson, Linda (Sloan) Boss, and Mitchell Ballard. He also leaves behind his ten beloved grandchildren--Grant, Ella, Laney, Jocelyn, Drew, AJ, Brielle, Sawyer, Lyla, and Dawson--who were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his beloved sister and brother, Marsha (Sy) Wells, and Brian (Kaye) Stephenson, and best friend Jan Nielsen.
John was known for his kindness, generosity, sharp sense of humor, and remarkable ability to build and fix anything. He spent his career working with the carpenters union in Las Vegas, NV, where he took great pride in his excellent workmanship and attention to detail, especially in intricate finish trim work on iconic projects such as the Luxor and New York New York hotels and casinos. Although exhausted from laboring in the Las Vegas heat each day, he still found time and energy to single-handedly build six homes, four of which his family lived in.
In his younger years, John was a proud Eagle Scout, the president of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), and a basketball star in high school. His athleticism and leadership skills were admired by many.
In his spare time, John enjoyed fishing and gardening, and was an exceptional bowler, tennis player, and water skier in his younger days. His legacy of love, craftsmanship, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Christine Ballard, and his brother Evan Ballard.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at Metcalf Mortuary, 140 N Main St, Hurricane, UT. A viewing was held at 9:00 A.M. prior to the services.
Graveside services took place immediately following the funeral at Hurricane City Cemetery located at 225 E 600 N, Hurricane, UT 84737.
