Memories of Kenneth Robert Ballou | Ever Loved

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In memory of

Kenneth Robert Ballou

Framingham, MA, USA

1961 - April 16, 2021

1961 - Apr 16, 2021

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Jonathan Hoffberg

Ken was a TA of mine at UC Berkeley. He was an expert at unpacking higher math problems for undergrads like myself. I remember he wrote very slowly and deliberately in a vertical cursive that I never forgot. It stuck with me for all this time, and became synonymous with slowing down to understand. Period.

I was just writing in my journal this very moment. I was writing too fast and I made a mistake. I slowed down, and I thought of Ken's methodical cursive. And for the first time since he was my TA in the late eighties, I thought to look him up. So sorry to see of his passing. Just wanted to share this bit of his legacy that he passed along to me as a struggling linear algebra student all those years ago...

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Melissa Hirshson

OMG, I am sad to hear this, just learning about it now. For 20 years, I kept saying, I need to look up Ken, I know he lives near me, we should get together some time. I thought I had more time. I am so sorry.

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Nick Sterling

Kenneth taught me how to be a rigorous and on-the-ball chess tournament director.

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Nicholas Sterling

Ken Ballou was one of our most successful and accomplished chess Tournament Directors. He will be missed.

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Nick Sterling

Ken Ballou was one of the outstanding Tournament Directors and organizers in MA, as well as FIDE Arbiter on the international level. His services to the chess community will be sorely missed by his colleagues.

Nick Sterling, USCF TD

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$130.00

Raised by 2 people

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Bob Messenger

I first met Ken in 2005, when he volunteered to direct chess tournaments for the Massachusetts Chess Association (MACA). This was a win-win: Ken was a very capable director and directed many tournaments for MACA, never charging a directing fee, and he got directing credits which helped him eventually become a National Tournament Director (not just from directing MACA tournaments, of course).

Ken was elected MACA President in 2010, but unfortunately this was the beginning of the end of his involvement with MACA. It was a tumultuous year, and Ken ended up resigning, along with half of the MACA board. Ken went on to direct higher level national and international tournaments, but he still helped MACA by providing us with a combined USCF-FIDE-MACA database each month. I continued to see Ken at the US Chess Federation Delegates Meetings each year.

In 2016 Ken was the chief tournament director of the Millionaire Chess 3 tournament in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and at his recommendation I was hired to be the chief director of two of the sections - a fond memory. Ken was a respected colleague and a friend, and I'll miss him.

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Matt Phelps

2017, St. Louis, MO, USA

Ken at work officiating some of the worlds best chess players.

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Matt Phelps

2017, St. Louis, MO, USA

Ken and World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen

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Alex Relyea

2018, St. Louis, MO, USA

U.S. Championship

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1

Comments:

Alex Relyea

I worked many times with Ken at tournaments. The 2018 U.S. Championship was the biggest. Little did I know... Read more I worked many times with Ken at tournaments. The 2018 U.S. Championship was the biggest. Little did I know it would be the last.... Read more I worked many times with Ken at tournaments. The 2018... Read more

Peter Ortisi

So sad to hear about Ken's passing. Ken and I worked together at Quarry Technologies. He was a tremendous resource for me. I could ask him anything. He made learning fun. Special person

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Mike Brown

Rest In Peace, Doc.

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Rev. Joseph Escobar

I was very sorry to learn of Ken’s death. We were in high school together in the late 1970’s. He was both brilliant snd delightful, a rare combination!! Please let me know when you schedule his funeral service: jaesac@aol.com.

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Henry Yeh

Ken is quite, friendly and easy to get along with. The pictures said all about Ken. I'm glad that I got to meet and know him. He will be missed by all ex-Quarry employees.

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Peter Ortisi

I worked with Ken at Quarry. What a wonderful funny and gentle man. What horrible news

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Alison D'Angelo

Godspeed Ken and eternal rest and peace. Alison D'Angelo

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George Kontopidis

1998, Framingham, MA

Ken's party departing from NMS Communications

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George Kontopidis

Ken, our dear colleague from NMS Communications, we will always remember you doing the Fax machine sounds. We will never forget your moosehead during our times at 8 Erie Drive on Natural MicroSystems.

We will miss you!

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Magued Barsoum

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Share your sympathy. Send flowers from a local florist to Kenneth's family or funeral.

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Please consider a donation to any cause of your choice.

$130.00

Raised by 2 people

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Created with love by Magued Barsoum (Kenneth's friend).

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