On the afternoon of September 1, 2014, Trevor Frank Ball drown in the Madison River near Ennis Lake while swimming with his friends from the Honors College at Montana State University. Trevor was nineteen years old at the time of his death.
Trevor Frank Ball was born to Eric John Ball and Mary Frances McBride Ball on July 19, 1995 in Missoula, Montana. He was the first of two boys born to Mary and Eric.
Trevor joined the world in a very unassuming way. Weighing less than 5 pounds at birth, he was little in body but big in heart. He was an adventurous and curious young boy, preferring to play outside with his younger brother Travis. Exploring in the horse pasture next door to his house on Helena’s North Hill would always lead to grand adventures or important discoveries to be shared with Mom and Dad.
Trevor was a studious boy, taking his studies seriously from his very first day in school. Trevor attended school at Jim Darcy Elementary, C.R. Anderson Middle School, and recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Capital High School as a class Valedictorian. Trevor received many awards during his high school years including a membership in the National Honor Society, Capital’s Full Boar Award, Exchange Club’s Youth of the Month, Best Science Student Scholarship awarded by BuzzBallz, the Air Force Recruiting Services Mathematics and Science Award, a Montana University System Honor Scholarship, and many others. Trevor was enrolled in the Chemical and Biological Engineering program at MSU at the time of his death.
Trevor also loved just about all sports, starting as a pee wee racer in motocross. Trevor wrestled with the Helena Wrestling Club starting at the tender age of five. He also wrestled for the Helena BearCats and Capital High School, earning the Capital Character Award three years straight. Trevor also lettered in football for Capital High. He was a fearless downhill skier and loved playing paintball with his friends. Rugby was his greatest passion and he worked hard to improve his skills and understanding of the game. Trevor was proud to play for his under 19 rugby club, the Helena Hooligans. He was chosen twice to Montana Youth Rugby Association’s Select Side and played a solid game at fly half this spring in the Great Northwest Challenge tournament in Portland, Oregon. Trevor enjoyed playing board games, especially Risk, and total domination was always his goal.
Trevor greatest love was being in the outdoors. He enjoyed hiking with his friends and especially with his Mom. He was passionate about hunting and was awarded a Gold Medal by the Safari Club International for a waterbuck he shot with a cross bow in South Africa. Trevor’s waterbuck scored number two in the world in 2013.
Trevor also belonged to numerous service and school clubs including PEAK, Math Club (where his brownies became legendary), ECO Club, National Honor Society (where he was vice president), and the Montana Conservation Corp. He was a student ambassador for the People to People organization; travelling to Italy, Sicily, Greece, and Crete in 2012.
Trevor was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Charles W. McBride, paternal great grandparents John and Lois Ball and his paternal great grandfather Otto Haverlandt.
Trevor is survived by his parents Mary and Eric Ball of Helena, his brother Travis Ball of Helena, his paternal great grandmother Ardelle Haverlandt of Great Falls, his maternal grandmother Grace McBride of Cascade, his paternal grandmother Joyce Bundi and her husband Joe of Sun River, his paternal grandfather Frank Ball of Ulm and numerous aunts, uncles, great aunts and uncles, cousins and special friends.
Trevor was a kind and caring young man who will be greatly missed and loved forever by the many people he touched during his all too short of time with us. It is a fact that it takes a village to raise a child and Trevor was proof of that philosophy. His many coaches, teachers, and friends had a great influence on him, helping him develop into the special young man we all loved.
The family of Trevor Ball would like to thank the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and the Gallatin County Search and Rescue Team for their compassion and dedication to making a timely recovery of Trevor’s body.
Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. Friday, September 5, 2014 with the family receiving friends during the hours of 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2014 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will follow in the social center of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Search and Rescue Teams of Gallatin and Madison County’s or to an organization or charity of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday September 5, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Family Receiving Friends
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday September 5, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 6, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday September 6, 2014
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday September 6, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday September 5, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Family Receiving Friends
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday September 5, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 6, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday September 6, 2014
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday September 6, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Chris & Stacey Petersen says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
SherI says
Praying that GOD heals each broken heart and in turn fills the void with precious memories of TREVOR. I
Anna says
With sincere condolences and thoughts and prayers are with the family. Jordan and Anna
Dawn & Rob Colwell says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May god give you the strength that you need to help you through this tragic event.
Jeanie Weasel Tail says
Eric, Mary and Travis,
I know your hearts are broken and no words will help ease the pain. Trevor was such a wonderful kid and an amazing young man. He touched my life for so many years, and I will forever have those memories of his smiling face. I will remember how Trevor was always such a respectful and gentle boy, always willing to lend a hand. Through the daycare, scouts and football, I feel fortunate to have had him in my life. He will be missed greatly.
Jeanie Weasel Tail
Kandi Turner says
I’m very sorry for your loss and I’ll be praying for you (Trevor’s family and friends). May God give you the peace that passes all understanding.
Dan and Family says
Our deepest condolences to Trevor’s family and friends.
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart”. Helen Keller
Scott, Julie and Brayden Rader says
Eric, Mary and Travis,
We are thinking of you very much. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie
Just For Today For Bereaved Parents
by Vicki Tushingham
Just for today I will try to live through the next 24 hours
and not expect to get over my child’s death,
but instead learn to live with it, just one day at a time.
Just for today I will remember my child’s life, not just her death,
and bask in the comfort of all those treasured days
and moments we shared.
Just for today I will forgive all the family and friends
who didn’t help or comfort me the way I needed them to.
They truly did not know how.
Just for today I will smile no matter how much I hurt on the inside,
for maybe if I smile a little,
my heart will soften and I will begin to heal.
Just for today I will reach out to comfort a relative or friend of my child,
for they are hurting too,
and perhaps we can help each other.
Just for today I will free myself from my self-inflicted burden of guilt,
for deep in my heart I know if there was anything in this world
I could of done to save my child from death,
I would of done it.
Just for today I will honor my child’s memory
by doing something with another child
because I know that would make my own child proud.
Just for today I will offer my hand in friendship
to another bereaved parent
for I do know how they feel.
Just for today when my heart feels like breaking,
I will stop and remember that grief is the price we pay for loving
and the only reason I hurt is because
I had the privilege of loving so much
Just for today I will not compare myself with others.
I am fortunate to be who I am
and have had my child for as long as I did.
Just for today I will allow myself to be happy,
for I know that I am not deserting her by living on.
Just for today I will accept that I did not die when my child did,
my life did go on,
and I am the only one who can make that life worthwhile once more.
Simms Laird says
Trevor I regret not being able to know you longer, you are an amazing person, always ready to laugh and to help out. You are loved by everyone here at Quad C and we all miss you terribly. Our hearts go out to Mr. and Mrs. Ball and to Travis and the rest of the Ball family, you brought a beautiful soul to us. That he couldn’t remain with us longer is a loss to the world.
Amy, Steve, Mason and Luke Skains says
We are so very sorry to hear about Trevor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joe, Kristin, William & Stephen Murray says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. We are so sorry for your loss.
The Aschim Family says
We are so sorry for your devastating loss. There are no words to say except know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
RSMITH@GFCLINIC. says
DEAREST ERIC,MARY, & TRAVIS, & FAMILY……MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY & PRAYERS TO EACH OF YOU ON THE LOSS OF TREVOR. THERE ARE NO WORD’S TO EXPRESS HOW SORRY I AM FOR EACH OF YOU….MAY GOD GIVE YOU STRENGTH DURING THIS SAD TIME. MAY HAPPY MEMORIES OF TREVOR GIVE YOU STRENGTH . MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
The Schwartz Family says
To the Ball and McBride Families, we offer our heartfelt sorrow to you all. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Ray, Bonnie, Corrina, Kim, Utah and Dorinda Schwartz.
Mike & Tammy Schubert says
We are sorry for your loss. There are no words that can comfort you in a time like this. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Mike, Tammy, Andrew, & Jennifer
Atlas Copco Secoroc, Ft Loudon, Pennsylvania says
Eric and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our hearts and prayers.
Tom Kain says
I had the honor to have Trevor as student in Welding class last year. He was an outstanding student who pushed himself to learn more than the standard curriculum required. He was a positive influence on his fellow students, and myself as his teacher. I am very sorry about the loss of Trevor.
Ladd & Betty says
So sorry for your tragic loss. Our thoughts are with you all. May your many wonderful memories of Trevor help you through this very tough time. Take Care.
Love,
Ladd and Betty and family
Josh Schlicht and mom says
Deepest Sympathy for the loss of a Great Man. Trevor was a great influence in Josh’s life and his memory will be deeply cherished.
Nancy White and Josh Schlicht
The Rahn Family says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Eric, Mary and Travis and all hiis friends and relatives. Trevor was certainly a special young man and will certainly be misssed by anyone who knew him.
Love,
Joe, Colleen and Family
Jon Dullum says
Eric and Mary,
I heard this story on the radio, but did not know who this was until I read the paper today. I am so sorry to hear this news. Just wanted to drop you a note we are thinking about you guys and praying for whatever comfort can help you during these times.
Jon Dullum
Deac Hall says
Eric, Mary, and Travis –
The Bruin Wrestling Family would like to send their deepest condolences to your family. You should be so proud to have raised such a respectful, polite, and hard working young man. Our Capital Character Award could not have gone to a more deserving young man for so many years. Trevor touched so many lives, provided everyone with so many great memories, and I am privileged to have been around such a tremendous young man. We are all sending our love and prayers to your entire family during this difficult time. May God give you strength and lift you up during your grieving.
Blessings to your family,
Deac Hall
Jody Dalbec says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time.
Rick & Jody Dalbec
Tanner & Thomas Jergeson
Dan & Kelley Gravelle says
Eric and Mary,
Our thoughts are with you during your time of loss. We remember how proudly you spoke of Trevor during our visit with you. Hold your memories closely. We are truly sorry for each of you and your family during this difficult time.
Dan & Kelley Gravelle
Sara Murgel says
I have no words. Please know my heart is heavy and I am thinking of your wonderful family and praying for you all.
Suzanne & David Patton says
Mere words cannot express the sadness we feel for the loss of such a wonderful child. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Ball and McBride families. May the good Lord find some way to ease the sorrow in your hearts and keep the memories strong for the wonderful man Trevor had become. David and Suzanne
Dean & Diane Whitmore says
Eric, Mary, Travis and family – We are so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts are heavy. God bless you and bring you comfort soon. ~ Dean & Di
Bill Dahlgren says
Trevor will be missed by the Montana Youth Rugby family. He was a good players and a better role model. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ball family. I write this with sadness in my heard but with great memories of a great kid.
Bill Dahlgren
Simms Rugby
Brian Barnes says
Eric, Mary, Travis,
I am at a total loss for words, My heart is broken. Life is so short. Seems like just yesterday that Trevor was knocking on our door wanting to play with the girls. I want you to know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you guys. -Brian and Lita
Linda Kay says
To ALL of Trevor’s Families,
My heart hurts for you all, such a tragedy. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Fink says
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tony and Nori Hix says
Our Sincerest Condolences.
Jeff Krauss says
For the family of Trevor Ball, Mr and Mrs Ball and Travis, my sincere sympathies. My wife and I have been grieving with you all week, although we certainly can’t imagine how terrible your loss is, despite having two sons of our own.
We were on the channel at Ennis Lake in our boat and even paused the boat to watch the group swimming in the lake, at the cliffs and rope swing and everyone was laughing and having a great time when we were there. They were acting responsibly and yet joyfully as young people will. Compared to the happiness from seeing young people having fun, we were so grieved to hear just a short time later of this terrible tragedy.
No words we say can assuage what you must be enduring, but I wanted to know Peggy and I are thinking of you, personally, and more formally, that we know this is a great loss for the university and the state. Trevor’s potential was limitless. Thanks for sharing him with us.
Jeff Krauss
Natalia Rogers says
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lori Dugas Matheny says
Eric, Mary and Travis,
I was so sorry to hear about your son Trevor. He sounds like an amazing young man. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Brigitte Bellefleur (Winfield) says
To Trevor’s Family…
What a tremendous young man! I will pray for the Lord’s comfort and strength for each of you, as you walk this journey of grief. My hope is that you will soon feel Trevor’s beautiful presence with you always, much as I do my son Wyatt’s. To love is to risk…you will never regret loving him so very much. Please allow yourselves to be strengthened by the prayers of others.
Brigitte Bellefleur
Richard Adams says
Eric and Mary,
I was deeply sadden to hear of your family’s loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Ric and Sandy Adams
Mary, Eric and travis says
The mcewen family is sending prayers your way. Your son is an exceptional young man and adored by many. May the angels hold him tight in heaven..our prayers are with all of u
The Bova Family says
Ball Family: We are grieving so heavily, along with all of the MSU families and the people of Montana, for the loss of Trevor. Please know you have our deepest sympathy and condolences. May the love of others who are able to be physically there with you during this time bring comfort. Hugs from us to Trevor’s entire family, especially his Mama, Daddy & little bro. We did not know Trevor personally but knew of him through the fantastic things Jake told us about him. Trevor quickly became a close friend to Jake. Jake would tell us of this awesome kid from Helena who was really funny, super smart, loved sports, and was kind and authentic. He absolutely loved hanging out with Trevor. We know there are no magic words that can possibly lighten your heavy hearts, but we pray this shared story of your amazing son and brother will help. -The Bovas (Frenchtown, MT)
Colleen Fay says
Trevor accomplished so much in his short life. He had so much more to contribute. What a great loss. Know that many hearts are broken; hearts of mothers, fathers, teachers, who don’t even know this precious young man. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the future. My daughter is in Quad C. There is an empty place there now. Trevor will be thought of many, many times. His physical presence is gone, yet his essence will live forever. God blessed him and God blessed you.
Scot Franklin says
Eric, I am very sorry to hear about this. Don’t know what else to say.
Tim, Jodee, Brittany & Tanner Levandowski says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kim Thiel-Schaaf says
Eric, Mary & family:
While I never had the pleasure of knowing your son,Trevor, I know he was indeed a bright light. I have known Miss Grace and Mary since our days at Shopko in Great Falls. All of you are such amazing, bright lights that Trevor must truly have been an apple that didn’t roll far from the tree. I am so very sorry to read of his tragic death and can only imagine how heartbroken you all are. Please know that I will lift you up in my thoughts and prayers and may you find comfort and healing among your memories and one another at this difficult time. Godspeed.
Dick, Shelly & Evan Wear says
You are all in our hearts and prayers. May your great memories carry you through your loss and sadness. Much Love, Dick, Shelly and Evan Wear
Cara Britton says
Eric and Mary,
Words cannot begin express the depth of my sorrow over the terrible tragedy regarding the accident and loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I can’t think of anything worse than the loss of a child. Please know that you are in my heart and mind and I am sending prayers your way– Cara Britton
Skweak Henneman says
Eric and Mary,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear, son Trevor. Nothing in life can prepare you for the loss of a child. Though I did not know him, he sounds like an amazing young man and he touched the lives of so many in his few short years. Please know you are in my prayers. May the everlasting arms of God hold you ever so tightly during this time of grief and loss.
Marli says
Dear
Mary, Eric, Travis,
I have no words to express how sorry and sad I feel, but please know we have you in our thoughts and prayers. I feel so honored to have been a little part of Trevor’s life, and I feel so blessed for all the good memories I keep of him. He was such an example of virtue, and I will never forget him. May God offer you all peace in your hearts knowing that he watches over you from above. You are an amazing family, and your tender love made of him an amazing boy who touched us all.
Les Queremos de corazón’
Marli, Trevor, Ethan and Christian.
Ellie Barnes says
I am Kaylyn and Kasey’s grandma. I remember Trevor and Travis as little boys coming to play with Kaylyn and Kasey when I was there visiting. They were such cute and wonderful little boys and such good friends of the Barnes’ girls. I am so sad to learn of Trevor’s death. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers for healing of this tremendous grief. I grieve with you as we lost a son over 20 years ago (Brian’s brother). Peace, Ellie & Bob Barnes
Mike and Tonia Thayer says
We are so sorry for this devastating loss to your family.
There are no words to say except know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Emily says
I am so sorry for the loss of ur son he was my best friend
Emily says
I just want u to know he was so wonderful to me sorry I couldn’t make it to his funeral but I have been thinking of him. I will never forget him wish i could had been there my name is Emily I am Trevor’s friend
Monique Tihista and family says
Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.