The Queen’s community is remembering Kenneth (Ken) Ball, Administrative Assistant and Workshop Supervisor and pillar of the Technological Education Program at the Faculty of Education, who died Sunday, Feb. 14, in his 78th year.

A dedicated life-long learner, it was not uncommon to find Mr. Ball in the Technological Education Workshop researching new technological innovations, design and make methodologies, hands-on/minds-on learning tasks and of course, making breathtakingly beautiful teaching and learning artifacts to help new teachers hone and perfect their skills in preparation for classroom teaching. Mr. Ball’s love of learning and warm-hearted, pragmatic approach to support students was a role he loved. He was admired and respected by the students he worked with, both for his dedication and his guidance for which he was awarded the Service Excellence Award in 2015.

Mr. Ball was a vital part of the education community in Kingston. Following his rich career as a teacher and administrator with the Limestone District School Board, his thirst for knowledge drew him to the Faculty of Education; first, as the developer and teacher of a summer science and technology enrichment program for local school children to foster a love of technology and later, as dedicated teacher and mentor to many pre-service teachers, instructors, and administrators alike.

As the Technological Education Workshop Administrator, Mr. Ball who was affectionately known and almost always addressed simply by his first name “Ken”, was often the first point of contact for pre-service teachers seeking a deeper understanding of project-based learning. He was always keen to offer his insights and worked diligently to assist all who requested his help in finding real-world solutions to technological challenges. Ken’s commitment to “leaving this world just a little better than how I found it”, was demonstrated in the facilitation and development of numerous community-based and service-learning projects including an augmented bicycle trailer for a boy with a severe physical disability, numerous local lending libraries, a cupboard to combat food insecurity on campus, adapted musical instruments for children with developmental and/or physical challenges just to name a few.

Ken’s genial manner and warm sense of humor fostered a climate kindness and joy and his boundless energy and scholarship will be greatly missed by colleagues, students, and staff.

A family obituary is available online.