The Bally 17 Memorial Fund was established in 2026 to honour the life of Kevin James Ballantyne.

Kevin was known by many and will be missed by all, and this fund ensures that his life and memory will continue by supporting causes in the community that mattered most to him.

Kevin passed away on August 15, 2026 at Innisfree House in Kitchener, ON at the age of 52.

Beloved husband of Laurel Straus. Loving father of Kory Ballantyne (Kat High). Son of Brenda and Ian Ballantyne. Brother of Scott Ballantyne.

Kevin was very loved and touched the lives of many people, including those at the baseball field, hockey and lacrosse arenas during his time as a player and coach. He will be missed by his line-dancing and karaoke family and more recently, those in the pickleball community. Besides sports and dancing, he was also a motorcycle enthusiast and a member of CMC. Kevin spent the last 2 years battling cancer and in true Kevin style, went out fighting.

We thank the amazing staff at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener and at Innisfree House.

"I am a big wheel, the real deal, I tell it like it is and say it like I see it"

A celebration of Kevin's life will be held at the Cambridge Newfoundland Club (1500 Dunbar Rd, Cambridge, ON N1R 6V3) on Saturday, October 17th 2026 - 12:00 PM to 04:00 PM. 

Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467.

Visit www.henrywalser.com for Kevin's memorial.

To make an online donation to The Bally 17 Memorial Fund under $5,000, please use the form below. For donations of $5,000 or more, or if you would prefer to donate offline (e-transfer, cheque, phone, etc.), please visit our page about other ways to give.

If you would like to learn more about The Bally 17 Memorial Fund, please contact WRCF at 519-725-1806 or philanthropy@wrcf.ca.