Eric Alden Ballard
Marriages
Toni Griffith - May 29, 2015
Obituaries
The Daily Sentinel page 6A - November 8, 2023
It is with heavy hearts
that we mourn the passing
of Eric Alden Ballard, 35, on
October 8, 2023 in a tragic
car accident.
Eric was born January
5th, 1988 during a rare
Grand Junction, Colorado
blizzard. Upon his arrival,
he immediately charmed
his adoring parents, Laura
(Hunt) Ballard and Richard
“Rick” Ballard.
Eric married the love of his life Toni Griffith on May 29,
2015 on the majestic Colorado National Monument. He is
survived by his wife ToniBallard and hersupportive Griffith
family; his older brother Charles (Amanda) of Whidbey
Island, Washington, nephews Alden and Zaiden; younger
brother Kevin (Megan) of Grand Junction, niece Daphne
and nephew August; his mother Laura of Grand Junction;
and grandmother Ruby Hunt of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; as
well as, numerous beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. He
was preceded in death by his father, Rick Ballard in 2007 as
well as his sister-in-law, Tiria Alcala in the same accident.
Eric made lifelong impressions and friendships everywhere he went, being a serious worker but never taking work too seriously. Eric graduated from Central High
School in 2006 and from Colorado Mesa University in 2010
with a bachelor’s degree in business entrepreneurship. Eric
wore many hats and was well on his way to being a Jack
of all trades. He worked as a grocer at Sam’s Club then
City Market, while simultaneously a co-proprietor of Mud
EKspresso coffee lounge. He went on to become a conductor
at BNSF railroad and then started his handyman business
Ballard Handyman, LLC while also working as a manager
at Penske. On top of all that, Eric and Toni managed their
9-acre farm. Eric was an enthusiastic supporter of Toni’s
passions, helping her run her businesses of breeding miniature horses and Australian Shepherds. He often burned the
candle at both ends and sometimes in the middle too.
Despite this busy lifestyle, Eric always found time to
putz around his farm and its boundless projects. Eric enjoyed restoring his late father’s treasured 1970 orange
Chevy truck. Being a lifelong learner, he loved listening
to podcasts, watching YouTube videos, and reading SciFi/
Fantasy books (he was proud of reading the entire Wheel
of Time series). Then sharing what he learned with the
nearest person. Weather and work permitting, you would
find Eric camping and climbing 14ers (he summited over
a dozen). He loved being in the kitchen perfecting the sear
on his steak, the seasoning in his gumbo, and brewing new
varieties of beer. However, Eric would drop all his interests
to spend quality time with friends and family which was his
most endearing quality. All who loved him learned to love
his light hearted spirit, and with a simple joke how he would
fall to pieces in a fit of giggles.
Eric’s presence will be fondly remembered by all who
knew and loved him - he touched so many lives with his
laughter, kindness, friendship, and generosity of spirit.
May we all remember him and live our lives inspired by
his legacy.
A memorial service will be held at a future date.
