Walter Goodwin Ballard was born on March 3, 1905 to William Nelson and Catherine Edith Ballard. His birthplace was near Oasis, 35 miles southwest of Valentine. He was the second son of 15 children. He grew up on the Ballard ranch which is now Ballards Marsh Wildlife Management Area.

Walt attended grade school and high school in Wood Lake and college in Chadron at Chadron State College. While in college he was known as a mathematical whiz because of his extremely high grades in calculus and other math courses. After attending college, he taught school for several years.

In the early 1930s Walt owned and operated a fishing and hunting camp at the southwest end of Dads Lake. In an article in the Nebraskaland magazine Walt was quoted as saying that the lake at times was black with ducks, and they sounded like a cannon when they jumped up to take off. He said you just couldn't imagine that may ducks in one spot.

Walt spent quite some time with his Uncle Lynn Ballard in Homestead, Fla. helping him with his citrus groves. Walt's family enjoyed hearing him talk about his trips to Cuba during this time.

He was united marriage to Margaret Tyler in 1940, and to this union were born two children.

Walt worked for Consumers Public Power for 14 years and owned and operated other businesses. He also was involved in ranching nearly all of his life, and he truly loved working with his cattle which he was still doing at the age of 89.

Walt loved the Sandhills and enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he also trapped on the Ballard ranch and the surrounding area.

He enjoyed horse racing and for several years owned and raced thoroughbreds on the tracks in Nebraska and also in Detroit, Cleveland, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Winnipeg, Canada.

He was an avid Cornhusker fan and attended many games home and away.

Walt had a soft heart for anyone in need. People coming to his door needing help received free lodging, money for meals, and gas money to get to their destination.

Walt passed away Friday Dec. 4, 1998. He was 93.

Survivers include his wife Margaret; son Bill and daughter Myrna Brock of Valentine; grandchildren Darin Story of Anchorage, Alaska, Angela Williams of Kearney, Greg Ballard of Goldendale, Wash., and Grant Ballard of Portland, Ore., two great-grandchildren; brothers Lynn Ballard of Sims, Ark., John Ballard of Hemet, Calif., Sam Ballard of Las Vegas, Nev. and Ed Ballard of Valentine; sisters Esther Bridgeford of North Platte, Mary Parkhurst, Ruth Fritz and Helen Eatinger of Valentine.

Funeral services were at Sandoz Chapel of the Pine with Pastor Carrell Plisek officiating. Interment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine.