No matter the personal cost, Ballantine always allowed the paper to do its business with an eye on the truth, not on what might have served his own interests or family better. The local and regional causes or nonprofits that he and Mary Lyn Ballantine and the Ballantine Family Fund have not helped are few indeed; the Ballantines understand the meaning of community, instilled in them by their elders and practiced with tact and compassion.

Perhaps my favorite quality of Ballantine’s is how self-effacing he is; he’s all about asking you questions and learning what you have been up to, not telling you about his extraordinary travels and experiences. He’s just a genuine all-around nice guy, and we shall not see his like again at The Herald, no offense to its crackerjack team.

Enjoy your tractor time, Richard!

Stephanie Moran

Durango