GORHAM- Elmer N. Ballard 87 of Gorham, Maine formally of Hartland, Maine passed peacefully on April 28, 2022 to be with our Lord & Savior.
Elmer was born on February 24, 1935. He was raised by his grandparents Joseph and Bertha Welch which he loved dearly. He lived in St. Albans, Maine and attended local grammar school and graduated High School class of 1954 at Hartland Academy.
He married Joann Southard and together they raised five children in Hartland, Maine. Elmer was a very hard worker. He owned a convenient store, worked in the Hartland Tannery, but his love of life and the outdoors, he bought wood lots and cut wood for a living.
Elmer was known for doing many things but two things remained constant, his love of baseball especially his beloved New York Yankees, and his love of horses.
Elmer’s attachment to baseball started at a young age in the era of his idols Mickey Mantel, Roger Maris, and Yogi Berra. He played baseball as a child and was fortunate enough to play on two State championship teams for Hartland Academy. His nickname was Amos. His yearbook read: Amos will long be remembered for his swell disposition, and sports-
manship. He was the leader of the Dooley Gang, and a member of the Championship team of 53 and a STAR third baseman.”
Elmer was introduced to horses when his Uncle Delly came to live in Hartland with his family. They purchased a pair of work horses which he teamed to twitch wood for many years.
In 1967 he purchased his first racehorse, Mark Spirit and from then on he was devoted and fascinated with the Standardbred horse.
He raced in Maine at the various tracks Lewiston, Scarborough Downs, and several fair tracks. He was involved in the Maine Sire Stakes Program and accomplished 99 Stake wins with the horses he owned and trained. Unstable Sean, Gaelic Admiral, Jeter, El Duque Dragon to name a few.
Elmer belonged to the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association and to the United States Trotting Association for many years. He was recently inducted into the New England Harness Writers Association Hall of Fame.
Elmer was a mentor to many neighborhood
children and harness racing youth, he influenced a lot of kids lives with his time and compassion. He also coached a town team of baseball, the Hartland Tanners where he also was a versatile player.
Elmer is predeceased by his loving wife Joann of 34 years, his mother Meredith Haskell, Grandparents, Joseph & Bertha Welch, brother & sister in-law Byron & Carolyn Ballard and sister Bertha (Skippy) & husband Bill Donlon
Elmer is survived by his loyal and faithful partner in life of 33 years Patricia Davis of Gorham, Maine. Five children;Son, John Ripton & wife Barbara of Kennebunkport, Maine. Son, Philip Ripton and wife Brenda of Palmyra, Maine. Son, Thomas Ripton and wife Paulie of Omaha, Nebraska, Daughter, Vicky Ballard of Gainesville, Florida and Daughter, Laurie MacKenzie and husband Butch of Plymouth, Maine. Two sister in-laws, Sandra McNichol of St Albans, Maine, Debbie Cooper of Hartland, Maine and brother in-law Rocky Rice of Hartland, Maine. Twenty grandchildren, many great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Elmer will long be remembered on Earth as a kind, humbled, and generous person.
There will be no funeral services. A celebration of Elmer’s life will be a graveside service at the Hartland Pine Grove Cemetery on July 2nd at 1:00 p.m. where friends are welcome.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com