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Life story

" Kaua'i, HI and Fredericksburg, VA are minus one bright star as Gordon J. Ball transitioned to the heavens the morning of November 19, 2024. With the assistance of Mary Washington Hospice angels, he passed away at his Spotsylvania address with his beloved wife at his bedside.

Gordon was born in Montclair, NJ, to parents Warren Watson and Anne Blake Ball. In addition to his wife of 37-plus years, Denise Daniels Ball, he is survived by his two sons, David (Janet) and Rick; his sister, Suzanne Regan; his grandson, nephews, nieces, great-nieces, and his countless family of friends. His brother, Geoffrey, predeceased him. He is also survived by his second "mom," Barbara Daniels, and her family.

Upon completion of school in Staten Island, NY, Gordon joined the U.S. Air Force. He moved to San Diego, CA following discharge from the military, and the move west continued with migration to the San Francisco Bay area and to the beautiful island of Kaua'i. Coming full circle, prior to Willie J. Daniels, his father-in-law, succumbing to terminal illness, Gordon rediscovered the east and began spending a part of each year in Fredericksburg, VA, which he grew to love.

Gordon worked at Toledo Scale on the east and west coasts and at United Technologies in the SF Bay area; he volunteered at Catholic Charities, where he worked with immigrants, teaching skills to assist with their search for employment, and at the Volunteer Exchange of Santa Clara County. After he retired, he fulfilled one of his dreams -- a move to Kaua'i in 2002, where the main challenge of his island life was perfecting his golf game. He also tutored at Koloa Elementary School on Kaua'i for a brief period.

Gordon experienced a psychic change 46 years ago and flourished --painstakingly-- in a life of acceptance, trading a lot of old ideas for new possibilities... His kindness, joy, and love of life radiated toward everyone he met. He had a wonderful sense of humor and shared his wisdom, strength, and hope with countless others over the years. Children and pets gravitated toward him and he was a friend to everyone he met.

Gordon was frequently asked about his optimistic outlook on life, especially as an octogenarian and nonagenarian, and he offered three secrets to his longevity: mind your own business; don't argue; and, while it's okay to grow older, just refuse to "mature." He shared this philosophy with many in his circle of friends, which were wherever he happened to be. On his 93rd birthday, he happily stated "I am now in my 94th year!" Many who knew him (perhaps especially his wife) have frequently stated "I sure hope I can be like Gordon when I grow up." Never to be forgotten, he is loved and missed by many as he continues on his heavenly road of happy destiny.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be announced at a later date. "