Thomas “Ross” Ballantyne
January 28, 1948 - July 6, 2025
Funeral Details: In keeping with Ross’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private Celebration of Life will be held with immediate family.
Son of the late Thomas and Margaret, Ross was the beloved husband of Nancy for 51 wonderful years. He was a devoted father to Brad, Suzanne, and Ryan (Lauren), and a proud grandfather to Jordon and Baily. He will be dearly missed by his sister Judy (Michael) and fondly remembered by his nephews Andrew, Kevin, and Matthew.
Ross was an exceptional teacher who dedicated 35 years to the York Region District School Board. He taught math, physical education, and alternative education at Thornlea Secondary School and Dr. Denison High School, where he was especially known for his work in the T.I.P. program.
A gifted athlete, Ross competed as a member of the University of Toronto Swim Team and was inducted into the U of T Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in swimming. He had a lifelong passion for golf and was especially proud to win the Ontario Amateur Senior Championship in 2004. In his early years, he coached cross-country running and had the remarkable distinction of mentoring two athletes who went on to compete in the Olympics. Later, he enjoyed sharing his love of the sport with students at Georgian College.
Ross had many interests and a vibrant curiosity. He loved music and often explored different instruments over the years. He enjoyed the intellectual challenge of investments and never turned down a good game of chess.
Hope you enjoy your golf game in your new life.
Penny Barton
Posted on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025So sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences to you and your family.
Glenn Cole
Posted on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025Hi Ryan and family. I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Our condolences to you and your family.
Cathy Lajoie
Posted on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025Judy and Mike.
I am so sorry to read about Ross passing. I hope all your good memories of Ross will help you through the difficult times.
Lisa White
Posted on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025Please accept our deepest condolences. Ross truly sounds like an incredible person, dad, partner and teacher. May you find joy in your memories of him
Lisa Stansbury
Posted on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025Ryan
I am so very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I wish you and your family all the best during this difficult time.
Jennifer Donnelly
Posted on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025I’m so sorry to hear this Ballantyne. Dave and I are sending our condolences and lots of love.
Daniela Fiorini
Posted on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025We are deeply sorry for your loss. While we did not have the privilege of knowing him personally, we know he raised an exceptional educator in Ryan, and we’re certain he was just as remarkable.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences,
Daniela and Family
Hazel Hodder
Posted on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025So sorry for your loss. May the happy memories you and your family have provide some comfort during this difficult time.
Robert Ferguson
Posted on: Thursday, July 17, 2025Your family at BCC will miss the great chats & stories. A great man.
Lindy Lavallee
Posted on: Thursday, July 17, 2025Ryan, I’m very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I hope wonderful memories (including your shared love of golf) will sustain you and your family, now and in the years to come.
My sincere condolences, Lindy
Ryan Giffen
Posted on: Thursday, July 17, 2025This is a sad day and my thoughts are with your family. I’m going to miss my chats with Ross most afternoons on the BCC putting green. He always remembered our last conversation and picked up right where we left off. He always had the most thoughtful questions to spur on great conversations. Rest in peace Ross, hit em straight up there.
Kim Currie
Posted on: Thursday, July 17, 2025So sorry for your loss. Treasure the memories during this difficult time. Thinking of you,
Kim and Shawn Currie
Jim O'Neil
Posted on: Thursday, July 17, 2025I’m very sad to hear the news of Ross. He was a great playing partner and I thoroughly enjoyed my Tuesday morning tee times with him. My condolences to the family.
Peter Landers
Posted on: Thursday, July 17, 2025Played many a round with Ross and always enjoy the conversations, my condolences to the family. Rest in peace brother.
Michele McConney
Posted on: Thursday, July 17, 2025I am sorry to hear about the passing of Ross. He was one of a kind, a keen sense of humour, excellent teacher and coach. Ross will be missed by many.
Peter Robinson
Posted on: Friday, July 18, 2025Ross was great conversation around BCC, a great player, and great teacher. He made me a better chipper!
Condolences to his family, who I’m sure are remembering him as an even better family man.
TIM HASENACK
Posted on: Friday, July 18, 2025Sorry for the loss. He will be missed. I too will miss the chats on the putting green at BCC talking about golf and sharing inspirational moments in our careers.
Jaime Mitchinson
Posted on: Tuesday, July 22, 2025Ryan and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Take the time to share stories and memories of him which you can reflect on each day. He sounded like a lovely man. My condolences to you all.
Jen Dale
Posted on: Tuesday, July 29, 2025Dear Ryan and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He sounds like an incredible person.
Jen Dale