PRICE - Michael Martin Ballard, age 49, passed away on Nov. 16, 2010 at Utah Valley Hospital from injuries received from a fall in January of this year.

He was born May 24, 1961 in Price to Martin H. and Gaylene Mills Ballard.

Married Linda Kirkwood on July 19, 1986 in Helper. They were blessed with a baby girl, Mikelle on May 6, 1988 and he loved her dearly.

Mike grew up and attended schools in Price. He graduated from Carbon High School in 1979, then obtained his master electricians license from Utah Technical College. He owned and operated Ballard Electric for over 18 years, but during this time he also worked for five years at Utah Power and Light.

He was a very trusted, hardworking and professional businessman. He was very proud of the business he built and made friendships with customers that were far above the ususal relationship.

Mike was a wonderful husband and father, going along with anything his girls said or wanted him to do. He became a grandfather one month after his accident to Kaydence Ann Christensen. Even though he was not able to have the normal relationship that he would have enjoyed with her, you could see the love between the two of them every time she went to see him.

Mike also enjoyed four-wheeling and camping with family and friends.

Survived by his wife, Linda Ballard, Price; daughter, Mikelle (Mike) Christensen and granddaughter Kaydence, Price; brother, Lance Ballard, Price; mother-in-law, Merlene Kirkwood, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Billy and Nicky Kirkwood, three nieces, one nephew, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and a community of good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Funeral service, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010, 12:00 noon, Mitchell Funeral Home, Price. Family will be at Mitchell's Saturday morning beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment, Mt. View Cemetery, Helper. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends can share memories of Mike at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.