Fred S. Ball
"Giant in our City"
The poet wrote: \"Here and there, and now and then, God makes a giant among men.\" Fred S. Ball was a giant. A giant to his family; a giant in his professions, and a \"Giant in our City.\"
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Fred S. Ball was born in Ogden, Utah on September 29, 1932, a son of Fred S. Ball, Sr., and Gladys Thornton Ball. He died on August 25, 2015 of natural causes.
For 25 years he served as the president and chief executive officer of the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. He was honored as \"A Giant in our City\" at his retirement dinner in 1995. He was commonly referred to as \"Mr. Utah\" and was recognized as a great champion of the State of Utah and a strong proponent of the free enterprise system.
Fred graduated from Ogden High School, Weber State College, (where he served as Student Body President), the University of Utah and the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He holds Honorary Doctor of Humanities degrees from WeberState University and Salt Lake Community College. Westminster College presented him with its Presidential Award for his service on their board and as commencement speaker in 2003.
Fred excelled in three business careers. He joined IML Freight, (Interstate Motor Lines) at the age of 21 and served in management positions in Ogden, San Francisco and Oakland, California and Salt Lake City. He left the truck line in 1970 to become President of the Chamber. The decades of the \70\s, 80\s and 90\s were glory years for the business community in the state under his joyful leadership. He retired from the chamber on the 25th anniversary of his service. Major accomplishments of Ball\s service to the community included the bringing of the Utah Jazz to Salt Lake City from New Orleans and the successful bid for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. He was at center court to toss the ball for the opening tip-off of the first NBA game in the Salt Palace and served as Mayor of the Olympic Village during the 2002 games.
After he retired from the Chamber, he joined Zions Bank in January 1996 and loved the new opportunities as a Senior Vice President. As always, he was excited to begin a challenging new career even at the age of 63. He developed many lasting friendships with the bank family. His radio broadcast, Zions Bank\s \"Fred Ball, Speaking on Business,\" was heard daily on 14 Utah and 10 Idaho stations. Over the next 25 years, Fred's distinctive voice became widely known and recognized as he was heard on Utah and Idaho radio stations.
Fred met the love of his life in an elevator at ZCMI and he never let go. Joyce Worsencroft and Fred were married on July 2, 1953 in the Salt Lake Temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were best friends and made a great partnership in every aspect of life. They traveled extensively and visited over 30 countries around the world.
Fred\s life revolved around his family. His four daughters, their husbands, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life and he relished every opportunity to do things as \"the thundering herd.\"
Fred also served on over 40 corporate and community boards. He was very active with the Utah Symphony, Ballet West, Utah Museum of Natural History, ZCMI Department Stores, Weber State University Board of Trustees, Dick Simon Trucking Co., KSL Radio and TV Board, American Red Cross, Junior Achievement, American Cancer Society and many others. He served as president of the American Trucking Association, California Trucking Association, Willow Creek Country Club, and Chairman, Utah Air Travel Commission, Chairman Host Committee, Sundance Film Festival, Chairman, Olive Castle Foundation and numerous others.
He was an avid gardener and golfer. He enjoyed his regular golf games with the "Bill Gibbs Group" at the Salt Lake Country Club. He served as a member of the board of The Country Club and also served as President of Willow Creek Country Club.
Fred was always active and involved in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as Bishop, Bishop\s Counselor, High Counselor, a member of the General Sunday School Board, the Assistant Director of Church Hosting, and as a Gospel Doctrine Teacher.
To say we will miss him is to underestimate our sorrow. While nothing will ever be quite the same, we will all draw on his example and cling to each other in the love he taught us.
Fred is survived by his wife, Joyce, and four daughters, Kathryn (Mark) Van Wagoner. Kristine (Richard) Dibblee, Kimberly (John) Dahlstrom, and Karalyn (Howard) Diederich, all of Salt Lake City; and, fifteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Vikki (George) Moellendorf, West Haven, Utah.
He was preceded in death by his father, his mother, and a sister, Joan (Milt) Bachman.
A visitation will be held at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East, 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT, on Sunday, August 30, 2015 between 5 and 8 PM.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 31, at noon, in the Wilford Stake Center, Kenwood Ward, 3080 South, 1765 East, Salt Lake City, Utah with a visitation between 10:00 and 11:30 AM. Online condolences: www.larkincares.com
