Obituary of George Victor William Ball
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of George Victor William Ball on September 27th, 2025, at the age of 78, in Rideau Ferry, Ontario.
Born March 18th, 1947, in Oshawa, Ontario to the late Gladys “Bubs” Ball and Grant Ball. George is survived by his spouse of 39 years, Doris McCue, and by his children, Lonny Ball, Geana “Juanita” Greentree (Jason “Big Bucko” Greentree), Jeremy Stacey and Megan Stacey (Zach MacLean). George was always very proud and full of love for his children, and for his grandchildren; Janson Greentree, Shea “Sheaster” Greentree, Jayden Prost-Stacey, Grey “Sparky” MacLean, Fife (his brown eyed girl) MacLean, and Riley “Ry Boy” Stacey.
George grew up in Bowmanville, Ontario. He had a passion for hockey, with a love and admiration for Gordie Howe. George always talked of his love for the game and often mentioned playing for the OPP against the Philadelphia Flyers Alumni team. George also loved music, attending concerts in his early years with Doris. He was a big fan of Kim Mitchell, Merle Haggard and Hank Williams. As a teen, he was the drummer, known to his bandmates as “Bucky” (a family nickname) for the band “The Iguana’s.” He always had a special grin when speaking of those times and could often be found drumming on the dash, the table, or anything else that was within reach.
George joined the OPP on September 15th, 1969 at the age of 22. His initial posting was in Kingston, Ontario. In 1981, he was transferred to the Perth detachment and was also part of the Tactical and Rescue Unit team from 1980 - 1984. Senior Detective Constable George Ball retired from the OPP on December 31st, 1999, following 30 years of service.
George loved all animals but had a special fondness for dogs. In his retirement he developed an interest in work horses, became shepherd to a flock of sheep, and a keeper of donkeys. He loved working around the hobby farm that he shared with Doris, it was his favourite place to be. Whether it was on the porch wearing one of his many hats - with a coffee (double double) in hand, watching (and counting) his sheep in the field, taking a dog or two for a run, or giving the grandkids a ride in the truck or golfcart, you could find him there offering words of wisdom, jokes, advice or just a listening ear.
George was truly an amazing man, father, husband, grandfather and friend. He was big on nicknames and was always dropping “one-liners” and quotes that were meant to make you laugh or to help you through hard times, such as,“It’s a small thing on a big ship", “Put your sweater on”, “Get in the game”, “You gotta keep ‘em thinkin’”, “You know it,” and “It’s the cycle of life.”
The family would like to thank the first responders and the OPP who were present on the day of George’s passing, for their grace, compassion and respect.
A celebration of life will be held at Fiddleheads Bar and Grill, 53 Harriet St, Perth on Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, from 4 pm to 8 pm. Friends are welcomed to join together in this celbration dedicated to George. Arrangements are in the care of Blair & Son Funeral Home, Perth.
