Alderman Ball was killed in a vehicle crash between his car and a  log truck on the Bass Highway on Monday.

The outpouring of grief from the community highlights a man well respected across the political divide but, more importantly, a person highly regarded by those he interacted with.

Mayor Albert van Zetten led the tributes, describing Alderman Ball as a talented, passionate, creative and energetic man.

‘‘He was a rare individual; someone of extreme integrity,aloyal deputy, a gifted orator, someone wholly dedicated to realising Launceston’s full potential,’’ he said.

Premier Will Hodgman said despite their political divide, Alderman Ball was a man whose views he greatly valued.

‘‘Jeremy was an exceptional person, who will be greatly missed. Sincere, compassionate, inclusive, positive,’’ Mr Hodgman said.

Launceston needs more people of Alderman Ball’s character and energy–people who could articulate their viewpoint without making the argument personal.

A battle of ideas but never a battle.

After years of living and working overseas, he returned to Launceston in 2002.

First elected to the Launceston City Council in 2007, he became Deputy Mayor in 2011.

He was actively involved in several bodies including the council’s Heritage Advisory Committee, Launceston Bike Committee, Street Tree Advisory Group and North Bank.

Alderman Ball would have made a dynamic and popular future leader of Launceston.

Of course what Launceston and wider Tasmania has lost is nothing compared with the loss Alderman Ball’s family and friends must be feeling right now.

It can be hoped that his legacy is one of warmth and inclusiveness.