In honor of William Ballinger’s life
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our father, William George Ballinger (1927-2020). He went peacefully from this life on August 6th.
Our father left an indelible mark on our lives and the lives of many others. He was a loving and kind father and husband, in addition to a pillar of the Helena community. To know Dr. Ballinger was to love him; his laughter, commanding presence and genuine interest in others were his most endearing traits. Our father was also deeply intelligent, committed to the profession he loved, reading his journals up to the end, and fair minded. Whether it was a brief encounter or a lifetime, my father will be remembered.
The family moved to Montana in 1969, led by my parent’s sense of adventure, to build a new life filled with their love of the outdoors and horses, and the opportunity to serve the community of Montana with my father’s medical expertise.
Dr. Ballinger’s distinguished career started with graduation at 19 from Ohio State University, where he completed pre-med in 3 years, followed by medical school at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio. My father did his residency in Dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco, where he met my mother, fell in love and they married. Following residency, Bill completed a fellowship at New York University, and moved to Washington D.C. where he was in private practice and an adjunct professor at George Washington University’s School of Medicine. Following his passion and the opportunity to serve the larger part of Montana’s population, he moved to Helena, MT with his wife, Helen Ballinger, and children, John and Anne.
In addition to his profession, which he loved, he was engaged politically and civically. Many organizations benefitted from his passion, energy and generosity with a focus on education and the arts. A great supporter of Exploration Works and The Helena Symphony. He also volunteered for SCORE, Carroll College’s Nursing School, was an active member of Kiwanis, and a retired Army Colonel, having served in the Army, Army Reserves, and the Air Force.
William Ballinger is survived by his wife, Helen, and his adult children Anne and John, and his five grandchildren Henry, Claire and Audrey Morrissey, and Adrian and Sofia Ballinger.
We will miss his laugh, his booming voice and his zest for life.
A family service will be held. Due to COVID, a celebration of life is planned for 2021. In lieu of flowers, please donate in my father’s memory to the Helena Education Foundation – In Memory of Bill Ballinger, MD.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Jeff and Melissa Sherlock says
Dr. Ballinger was a great physician and a wonderful guy, he will be missed, peace to his family
Joan D’Aoust says
Bill was the best dermatologist I ever encountered and a wonderful friend. I remember the dinner parties, Fourth of July picnics, and other hospitality hosted by Bill and Helen. Bill and Helen worked tirelessly for the Helena Symphony and slwsys supported the arts in Helena. His energy, sense of humor, generosity, and, of course, his booming voice will never be forgotten by his many friends, patients, and colleagues. May he rest in peace and may the family find peace and grace.
deb stansberry says
So sorry to hear of Dr. Ballinger’s passing, i always loved it when he would come in the store, always so kind……you will be missed “Doc”………..RIP
Rita Pikkula says
My heart is aching. He was the best boss one could ask for. He was part boss, part teacher and part friend all rolled into one terrific Doctor. He was so kind to many while providing excellent care to them. Too many memories to post but know I am thinking of Helen, John and Anne and your families with much sympathy. I’ll sure miss him.
Larry McEvoy, MD says
Bill was an outstanding physician, great friend and a classy person. He was also my colleague and I miss him already. The world is smaller now!
CAROL McEvoy says
All our children…….now middle aged adults, mourn the loss of their beloved “wart doctor” who was so kind to them. And I recall more memories of Bill and Helen and their commitment to their own family, this community and the larger world. They loved the arts and the beauty of the world around them ………and they both WERE the beauty in the lives of so many. May Bill rest in peace………having run the good race. Our love to Helen and Anne and John as they move through this loss.
Carol (and Larry) McEvoy
Larry II, Steve, Mary and Theresa
Sean Becker says
Helen and family, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Bill yet rejoice in the memories of his amazing laughter, compassion and sense of humor. We still call our home the Ballinger House and always will in alms to you and Bill’s contribution to the neighborhood and the city. We think of you often and will keep you in our prayers as you celebrate Bill’s life and the indelible impact he had on so many people’s health and well being. -Sean, Nolita, Greta and Amelia.
George Allen says
Dr Ballinger was a great guy. He would fill the room with laughter and booming candor, i loved him and will miss him!
Paul Fossum says
Helen and Family:
Bill was simply a gem of a fellow! It was always such a delight for folks to be in his presence…because he always conveyed such happiness to be in theirs. People generally love to laugh, and as others commenting here have noted, Bill was leader of the pack in that regard. An accomplished and trusted physician, a community benefactor, a deeply caring and loyal friend…and quite a character, too!–Helena has lost an exemplary citizen. Our sympathies flow in your direction. We’ll hold you all–like memories of Bill–warmly in our thoughts.
For my parents Dick and Rosie Fossum–dear friends of Bill’s whom he survived–and for all the Fossum clan,
Paul Fossum
Deb Kralicek says
Dr. Ballinger was such a caring and great Dr. Always pleasant and happy. Always left with a smile on my face. A great man.
Christine says
Dear Ballinger family,
I am sorry for your loss of dear Dr. Ballinger. He was a tremendous Dermatologist and I miss his wit and wisdom. We both had a few laughs as he worked on my skin issues. His humor was so welcomed by me. He was one of the best!
Steve Bostrom says
Dear Helen and family,
I did not know Bill as a doctor. I knew him through Kiwanis and Hometown Helena. He was filled with good questions. Most likely, that was part of God’s image being shown in Bill. Have you ever noticed how many questions God/Jesus ask the Bible? And, like God, Bill had quite a sense of humor. Thank you, Helen for not only accompanying Bill to HTH but through all these years together. And what challenges these last years were. Again, Helen, thank you for being with Bill. You two have added much to this community. We are grateful. May God bring you his comfort.
Sharon Holmquist Peterson says
So sorry for your loss of Dr. Ballinger. He was such a kind man and Dr. I worked with him when he had patients at St. Peter’s plus he was my dermatologist. He was great . He will be missed!!
Dudley Williams says
Great guy. You won’t have worry about Bill teaching Heaven, you’ll be able to hear him. Rip, condolences to the family.
Susan Bass Proul says
May he Rest In Peace…sending thoughts and prayers to the family
Luci says
Condolences to the family
Lorretta Lynde says
Dr. Ballinger will be missed by so many. We were so lucky that he and Helen chose to make their home here.
Lorretta Lynde and Bob Fusie
Beth Baker says
I loved seeing Bill and Helen at the Helena Symphony. He always was so enthusiastic about the music and so appreciative of the musicians. His energy was infectious! What a remarkable life he had, and what a contribution he made to our community.
Bob Haseman says
Bill was such a wonderful man, but of course, you know that. I always enjoyed my time with him at Kiwanis meetings and at social events. He was such a nice man.
Peter Held says
I always enjoyed my encounters will Bill, always optimistic and full of joy. Sympathies to Helen and the family.
Concetta & Len Eckel says
Len and I will miss so many wonderful things about Bill. It truly was a privilege to know him. He and Helen have contributed so much to what makes Helena a wonderful place to live. Let us all take a lesson from him and make our own contributions no matter how small in his memory. Thinking of you, Helen, and your dear family at this sad time. Peace be with you!
Erik & Shannon Brown says
Shannon and I were so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. He was a Helena icon and a wonderful human being. I’ll never forget being in his office for the typical teen acne appointment and his booming voice saying, “Wow, would you look at that zit” which could be heard loud and clear though the waiting room and into the parking lot. I was lucky enough to be a neighbor as well while growing up and have Bill and Helen as additional upper westside parents. Helena has lost a special benefactor and we’ve all lost a special person. Shannon and I send our deepest sympathy and condolences to Helen, John, Ann and Bill’s grandchildren.
Karole Lee says
I am so very saddened…what a wonderful person. I recall many years ago that I was looking for a mirror for over my mantel and Dr. Ballinger had an ad in the paper for a mirror. I called…met with him…fell in love with the mirror (it had belonged to his grandmother…beveled and all that)..Dr. Ballinger asked me if I’d give it a good home, which I said I’d do, and he sold it to me at a ridiculous price. I often saw he and his wife at Benny’s Bistro having lunch. He was such a wonderful person and will be missed by many!!
Valerie Raisch says
My sympathy to the Ballinger family!
Doc was such a sweet, caring, and very intelligent man.
We now live in Florida but we were just talking about his skills, laughter, and booming voice the other day! ❤️
While working on some skin issue I had in 1994 or so,
he diagnosed me with Sjögren’s syndrome just listening to me talk to him about other issues during a procedure. While in Seattle a bit later, I had many tests and guess what? Sjögren’s syndrome!! Went back to thank him and also mentioned to you Mrs. Ballinger at an event how smart your husband was and you commented how every evening he would read in his study! He graduated from college at 19, i just read? WOW!
The memories of him will always bring a smile to my face
and I share your grief. God bless you Doc and my sincere condolences to his beloved family!
Valerie Raisch
Chick Rolling says
Few people were as well known, well liked and well respected as was Bill. It goes without saying that he will be missed dearly.
Dr. Mike and Diane Carlson Evans says
Bill was one of those unforgettable people who lit up the room with his joyful voice and welcoming words to all he met. He was a patriot who defended and supported our veterans, retiring as a Colonel and proud of his service. He will be missed but always remembered.
susan algert says
Love to all of the family. Bill is in our thoughts and prayers.
Ellen Feaver says
So many of us will miss Dr. Ballinger! He was a great supporter of ExplorationWorks! and STEM programs for kids of all ages. Likewise, his support for the YMCA was consistent through the years. His enthusiasm for our community and his profession was infectious. His booming voice and his wonderful smiles and laughter are unforgettable. I will miss him.
Bob Summerer, M.D. says
Dr. Bill Ballinger was a person to try to emulate in all aspects of life, for his was truly a life well lived. His devotion to the practice of dermatology, his great care for patients and family and all those he interacted with, his down-to-earth demeanor and great sense of humor, his devotion and support of the arts in Helena and the entire community are part of his exceptional legacy. I, like so many others, will miss him immensely.
Sara Medley says
Helen and family,
How grateful I am to have had Bill, and you, Helen, in my life. He will be forever missed, and always remembered.
Brady & Merla Wilkerson says
We were saddened to hear of Doc Ballinger’s passing. We will never forget his contagious laugh! Him and Helen welcomed us into their home and their hearts. They attended my husband’s 50th birthday party and Bill’s laughter filled the room! We helped them with their trees and hedges when they lived in their beautiful mansion. We will never forget him. Rest in peace Doc.
Our condolences to Helen and the entire family.
Brady & Merla Wilkerson
Brady’s Tree Service
Dawn Harrell says
He will be greatly missed. My family went him while we lived in th DC area. Imagine our surprise, when we went to his office in Helena. We did suspect he was the same doctor we had seen in DC, until we heard his voice out in the waiting area. We moved from DC to Montana in 1969 also
Lee and Pam Shubert says
Helen ~ Doc was one of the first people we met when we moved to Helena. We will always be grateful for his warm welcome, his gentle good humor, and his fun-loving spirit. We appreciate the kindness that both you and Doc have shown us. You have our deepest sympathy.
Rick Pyfer says
Helen and family, I was so sorry to read of Bill’s passing. You and Bill were fixtures in so many places that I loved to occupy, particularly the Symphony and the YMCA. You and Bill were a smart, beautiful,serviceable power couple. Your glowing bright smile and Bill’s cheerful (loud) laughter were well known to those who shared events and time with you. You’re presence was a present always. Mary Brydich from Bozeman, longtime Kiwanis secretary, called to tell me of BIll’s passing and we shared many memories of his active Kiwanis life in our visit. And, shortly after, our common good friend Kirk Knous, called to inquire and told of receiving his first job from Bill, painting your house. I always admired Bill’s intellect. And, the fact that he took care of Dermatological needs of so many in the surrounding area as the solo pioneer out of Helena in the discipline demonstrates the dedication he had to his profession. Whenever we had a medical program at Kiwanis he asked all the right questions, the ones we wanted asked. And, he asked them in the right way because he was so bright. His laugh and zest for life were infectious.
I fondly remember you and Bill working out in the lower workout area of the YMCA. Engaging Bill in conversation was always a positive experience. He listened. He cared. And, the commitment you and Bill have made to so many worthwhile organizations in Helena has enriched them all. As you grieve this wonderful man, remember that we, your friends are praying for you all and know that you and all of us will join him in eternal peace some day. God Bless.
Poul F. Guttesen says
It is heartwarming reading these beautiful notes about Bill. I got to know Helen and Bill in the late fall of 1985, when they welcomed me into their house and gave me a home for the duration of my stay in Helena as an exchange student. I will be forever grateful for their open arms, for the warm and safe home they gave me. Though the years have passed and I am thousands of miles away, Bill’s jovial and life-affirming laughter still reverberates in my ears.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Helen, John and Anne with families as you remember your husband, dad and granddad.
Mike Griffith says
Helen and Family,
It is August 25th. I just became aware of Bill’s physical departure from this Earth. It is a sad time and an emptier place. There was only one Doctor Bill Ballinger – devoted family man, physician, community devotee and friend! John, what time is it?
Rosalie K Walsh says
My condolences to the Ballinger family. I was a patient of Dr. Bill Ballinger’s for decades–since I was a teenager when I lived in Butte and traveled to Helena, and later when I lived and worked in Helena. I was his patient until he retired. I loved his infectious laughter. He was, indeed, a superb doctor and it was a privilege to be his patient.
David Bond says
Dear Ballinger family,
Our hearts and minds are with your family. We are so sorry for your loss. Nancy and I have always been grateful of your friendship and attribute our 30 year relationship to both Bill and you Helen. One conversation between you guys and my parents was all it took for my folks to feel comfortable that Montana was a great place for me to spread my wings. Because of this wonderful man I met, married, and have spent thirty years with my wonderful soulmate, Nancy my wife and the creation of our son, Alexander. Thank you. God Bless! He will be missed but always celebrated and remembered! The Bond family.
Ann Joseph says
To Helen and the family.
I just thought of Helen and Bill, and tried to see if I could still find them .sadly I found that Bill had passed away. When George discovered Bill asa wonderful dermatologist in washington, he found a wonderful friend, and so did I. We were so sad to lose Helen andBill to Montana. But he stayed in touch until he was no longer able. The world has lost a great doctor and we have lost a dear friend. I send my deepest sympathy to Helen and. The family. Ann Joseph.