Obituary of Dennis James Ball

Ball, Dennis James June 7, 1956 - March 24, 2024 Peacefully, with family by his side, he left us. He put up a brave fight. He was the beloved partner to Shelley MacDonald for over 30 years and a great “Dad” to Carrie (Cory Green), Amanda (Jason Stefaniuk) and Jeremy. He adored and was adored by his favourite Grandchildren, Deanna (Brandon Wright), Kendra Green, Loghan Scott, Peyton Stefaniuk and Kourtney Green. He was delighted to be given the title of Great Papa by Henry Wright. They meant everything to him. He was Papa. Dennis was the son of Fred and Judy Ball (predeceased) and is survived by his baby sister Cheryl. He will be missed by his nephews Steve (Darlene), Shawn (Amanda) and Dan Tevelde. Dennis spent most of his life serving his community as a 23 year Volunteer Firefighter for the City of Orillia. He loved and was very proud of his time on the Rescue Squad, Water Rescue and Search and Rescue. He loved Baseball. If he wasn’t playing he was coaching the Ladies Division or his Granddaughter Deanna in the Youth League. We were always at a Ball Diamond. That’s where he met Shelley. He was proud of his role as a parent. He helped to raise and guide his newly acquired family. They loved him immediately. He was the Owner Operator of DJ Ball Handyman which brought him great joy. He taught the kids and grandkids to paint, drywall, build and to take pride in a job well done. Dennis will be truly missed by his extended family. His Mother-in-law Patricia MacDonald (Mervin, predeceased), his Sister’s-in-law Jackie Griffin (Doug, predeceased), Peggy Balkwill (Jim), Jennifer Schandlen (Roger) and Brother-in-law Bill MacDonald (Barb). Uncle to many Nieces and Nephews. We’d like to take this opportunity to recognize the amazing team of Doctors that provided the most compassionate care for Dennis. They include Dr. Toth, Dr. El-Meraghi and Dr. Kamra (his cancer care team). Our family physician, Dr. Lai has been our most dedicated advocate for care. The Bayshore Nurses have been the eyes and ears for this medical team and have been outstanding in providing daily care. Kelsey and Marlene have been his primary ladies but they are all equally wonderful. Hospice Simcoe provided our family with the most caring of environments for his final days. The staff were absolutely fantastic, made us all feel at home and like family. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough to say for all that these people have meant to our family. Rest in Peace Dennis/Papa. A Celebration of Life will take place on April 27, 2024 at Hawkridge Golf Club from 1:00 -4:00pm. Donations will be gladly accepted to Hospice Simcoe or the Canadian Cancer Society through the Simcoe Funeral Home, 38 James Street E., Orillia (705) 327 0221. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.simcoefuneralhome.ca