Eight Bells: Rob Ball

Robert Wilson Ball, age 79 (August 24, 1943 – September 9, 2022) loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was an engaged husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who cared deeply for the people in his life.

Rob caught the sailing bug early and devoted much of his life to the sport – both as an active sailor and all-around sailing booster himself, and professionally as the Chief Designer for C&C Yachts, Naval Architect for Concordia Custom Yachts, and Chief Engineer for Edson International. He was an avid hockey player in his school and university years, and then took up running late in life, completing several competitive runs and a half marathon.

He loved his Irish setter dogs and was the world’s biggest ABBA fan. He was passionate about the color green, and he treated every Thursday as ‘Green day’. He wore green with pride whenever possible, and encouraged using it in any and all décor.

Always adventurous and thirsty for knowledge, Rob lived in both Canada and the US, but never lost his Canadian roots or citizenship. He ventured all over the world for both work and family adventures, considered his socks and Birkenstocks a fashion statement, and loved to share stories about the things he had seen. He loved good food – home cooked or in restaurants, and always welcomed a great view of the water or the sunset with a glass of fine cabernet in hand.

Rob is survived by his wife Pat, his sisters Mary Dodd (John) and Barb Watson, his three children Bria Knowles (Michael), Dayton Ball (Lauren), and Kira L’Heureux (Dalton), and four grandchildren Emmett, Oliver, Keenan, and Arlo. He would also likely mention his dog Cabi (short for Cabernet) and begrudgingly his wife’s two cats Tia and Tetley.

Rob’s family will be welcoming guests for a celebration of his life at the New Bedford Yacht Club on Tuesday, September 13, drop in reception at 10:10am, service at 11:11am concluded with a toast. Rob would of course encourage everyone to wear green! There will be an Ontario, Canada celebration at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to New Bedford Community Boating in his honor.