Scott Alfred Ballantyne

Scott Ballantyne, Deputy II with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office, was born at Fort Campbell, Kentucky on September 1, 1963. He died on February 10, 2016 while engaged in aerial surveillance for the Tulare County Sheriff's Office. In the Christmas season of 1963 Scott's parents came to Visalia, California for a visit with his maternal grandparents, Alfred and Teresa Burkdoll. His father, a Colonel in the United States Army had been assigned to South Korea. Scott, and his mother Jean, remained in Visalia. At the end of his tour of duty in South Korea, Colonel Ballantyne was assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina and the family relocated there. Col. Ballantyne's last assignment was to serve as an army air advisor to the then Shah of Iran. In Iran Scott had many novel experiences, including a camel ride at the American Embassy. Scott returned to Visalia with his parents in 1968 and has resided here since. He graduated from Redwood High School in 1982 and attended College of the Sequoias and Fresno State College. In 1989 he enrolled in and completed the POST Academy in Visalia. He began employment with the Tulare County Sheriff as a deputy in 1989. Scott held several positions while in the Sheriff's Office including that of patrol deputy, evidence technician, and courtroom bailiff for the late Judge Paul Vortmann. In 2014 Scott applied for and was selected to serve in the Sheriff's aerial surveillance program. Scott greatly enjoyed participating in aerial surveillance. He had formed a close friendship with his pilot, James Chavez, who also was killed in the aircraft crash on February 10, 2016. Scott is survived by his mother, Jean Ballantyne; his brother John Ballantyne, John's wife Stacy, and their two children, nieces Ashley and Hayley. He is survived by two sisters, Mary Benson and JoAnn Coleman, his brother-in law Dennis Coleman, and his niece Shannon Moore. Also surviving him are his Aunt, Marylin Silveira and her husband William Silveira and their children, Matthew Silveira and his wife Leslie and Amy Silveira. Predeceasing Scott was his paternal grandmother, Georgia Ballantyne; his father, Col. Stanley Ballantyne; his maternal grandparents, Alfred and Teresa Burkdoll; and a nephew, Colton Moore. In his memory, Scott's family has established a scholarship with the Tulare County Deputy Sheriff's Association to financially assist talented persons who are interested in making a career in law enforcement. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that Scott's passing be honored by a gift to the Tulare County Deputy Sheriff's Benevolent Fund for the funding of a POST scholarship fund in Scott's memory. Persons wishing to donate should send their contributions to Tulare County Sheriff's Benevolent Fund, 704 W. Main Street Visalia, California 93291. [Tel. (559) 636-1199]. The memo line on the check, or some other notation, should show the name Ballantyne. Funeral Services are entrusted to the Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel in Visalia, California. Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.at the Visalia First Assembly Church located at 3737 S. Akers Street, Visalia. Services will conclude at the Visalia District Cemetery Pavilion immediately following the services at the First Assembly of God. Condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Scott Alfred Ballantyne

September 1, 1963 - February 10, 2016