Douglas Michael Ballard, 67, died Monday, Nov. 4 at his home near Clark Fork, Idaho.

He was born in Modesto to Jack and Syble Ballard. He was a native of Oakdale and attended Oakdale High School.

He married Loretta Joyce McDonald on Nov. 4, 1967 in Carson City, Nev. He founded D & B Precision Sheet Metal in 1979 in Riverbank. He retired in 2006 and his son Wesley now owns and successfully manages D & B Precision Sheetmetal, Inc. in Oakdale.

A lover of north Idaho, he purchased a home in Clark Fork in 1990 and fully restored a 1920 vintage house. After retirement he sold the home in Clark Fork and purchased a ranch to renovate for his two young sons. He is a man who lived to achieve his dreams.

Mr. Ballard was an avid craftsman and rancher. He could build absolutely anything and fix everything from a broken down house to a broken heart. There will never be another like him. He was a perfect gentleman in life and the same as he faced his death. He will forever be in his loved ones’ hearts as a very great man who had incredible visions with outstanding accomplishments.

Jesus Christ was his Lord and Savior.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta Joyce Ballard of Clark Fork, Idaho; son, Wesley (Holly) Ballard of Oakdale; daughter, Heather Marie (Kenny) Reed of Ceres; brothers, Jack V. Ballard Jr., William Patrick “Bill” Ballard; grandchildren, Dougie III, Zyler, Samantha, Morgan, Spence, Jessica, Justina, Joshua; great-granddaughters Gweneth, Chloe; beloved cousin, Jerry Bernacchi; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack V. Ballard, Sr. and Syble Frances Ballard Aguilar; and his oldest son, Douglas Michael Ballard II.

Funeral services were held Nov. 9 at Cabinet Mountain Calvary Chapel, Clark Fork, Idaho, with Pastor Scott Douglas officiating. Burial followed at Clark Fork Cemetery.

Lakeview Funeral Home, Sandpoint, Idaho, in charge of arrangements.

The Riverbank (Calif.) News

Nov. 13, 2013