Dave was a coworker and a friend for decades. We spoke on the phone many times a day for as long as I can remember. He could help me laugh and calm down when I was over spun! He always had a thoughtful view of our situations that took into account many factors that I was unaware of, so far from the launch site. Mostly I will miss him as a friend that I could count on to discuss, enjoy and savor life with. As life is a challenge and an adventure, I find myself wanting to pick up the phone and laugh and share with him, but to no avail…

I first met Dave in 2018 as a panelist interviewing me for my first job as a full fledged engineer. From then until his retirement last year, he was an exceptional mentor who taught me everything he knew about engineering and the world of Space Flight as a whole. He always balanced the dense technical and turbulent interagency aspects of the job with genuine kindness and a good sense of humor. I’m so grateful to have had him as a teacher and friend and that he could celebrate with my wife and I at our wedding this past March. My sincere condolences to Ginger and his family. He was a truly wonderful person who’s memory I will always cherish.

Dave was my first mentor at my first full-time job at ULA. He was one of the most influential individuals in my professional career and I am so thankful and fortunate to have had such a knowledgeable, patient, and down-to-earth person help me navigate the working world as a young engineer. In the few years that Dave and I worked side-by-side, he taught me so much and his excellent mentorship accelerated my growth. Dave was a joy to be around and his laughter resounded in every room he walked into. I will always cherish my memories of working with him. Rest in peace, Dave "Dr. Dirt" Ballou. Ginger, family, friends, I am so very sorry for your loss.

I had the honor of being mentored by David. After he retired, he agreed to consult with our small contamination team here at Blue Origin for our new heavy-lift rocket, New Glenn. One hour a week, we would have a video call and talk about the complex problems of building a new rocket and he would provide  invaluable insight and guidance to us. He was warm, welcoming, respectful, and so intelligent. David had so much technical excellence and we feel so lucky to have known him. I appreciated so much the opportunity to work him and will treasure his guidance and mentorship forever

I can hear Dave’s wonderful laugh in my head when I think of him. It was wonderful being “family” for so many years. He will be missed. ❤️❤️

We worked with David for many years and he provided much insight. We were also luck to be his and Ginger's friends and always enjoyed their annual boat parade party at their home and puppy discussions. He will be missed. Our love to Ginger.