6/19/27 ~ 1/19/03
George Eggertsen Ballif died peacefully, surrounded by his family, Sunday morning, January 19, 2003, after a prolonged illness.
George was born on June 19, 1927 to George Smith and Algie Eggertsen Ballif, the third of four children. He grew up and was educated in Provo, attending the BY Lab School, BY High and Provo High Schools. He was passionate about sports; excelling at basketball. He contracted polio during the epidemic of 1942; its devastating effects haunted him the rest of his life. He attended Brigham Young University, Stanford, and the University of Utah. He graduated from the University of Utah Law School in 1954.
George met Ruth Macdonald while both were serving as freshman class officers at BYU. They were married in 1950 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary two years ago. Their marriage was solemnized in the Provo Temple in 1999.
Following graduation, George practiced law with his father for 17 years in Provo during which time he served as Assistant City Attorney and Deputy District Attorney. He was appointed to the Fourth Judicial District Court by Governor Calvin Rampton in 1971 and enjoyed a distinguished 21 year career on the bench. He developed a close and satisfying working relationship with his capable staff and this friendship continued beyond his retirement. George retired in 1992, but continued to serve as a senior judge for three additional years. He was a respected and wise jurist, known for his patience and equity.
George continued his love for sports throughout his life - adopting golf as his passion; he could boast two holes in one. He loved to shoot pool and follow the BYU teams. He was always a dedicated fan of his children and grandchildren and closely followed their activities.
The family thanks Alpine Home Care for their loving and sensitive attention to the needs of our husband and father. Their professional, compassionate help enabled George to remain comfortably at home during the closing months of his life.
Dana and all the others - we love you and George loved you.
George is survived by his wife, Ruth; three children: Georganne Arrington (David), Philip Ballif (Cindy) and Jennifer Usher (Tim); three sisters: Algene Marcus, Joan Jensen, and Grethe Peterson; and 11 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003 at 12 noon at- the Oak Hills 6th Ward Chapel, 1900 North 1500 East, Provo. Friends may call Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. as well as one hour prior to services. Interment, East Lawn Memorial Hills.