ARNOLD HARVEY ROSS

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ARNOLD HARVEY ROSS Born August 8, 1939, passed away November 8, 2006 at the Health Sciences Centre. Born in Flin Flon, Manitoba, predeceased by his parents Rhoda and Harold Ross. Survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan; children, Stacey (Daniel), Sheri (Sheri) and Benjamin (Wendy); sisters, Beverly (Marty) and Sandra (Larry) and brother Gary (Liz). Arnold was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his first grandchild, due in December. Arnold graduated St. Johns High School and the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Pedagogy in 1967. Starting his teaching career in 1966 at Gordon Bell High, Arnold also taught at Kent Road, River Elm, R.B. Russell, Lord Selkirk, Cecil Roads, Hugh John McDonald and for the last 10 years at Sisler High School, retiring in 2000. For 35 years Arnold embraced his teaching career, teaching E.S.L., math, art, drama and law, English. In 1991, with his art students at his side, they entered the Grey Cup parade with a 40 foot float, and came away with a trophy for best parade theme. From 1991 to 2006, he held the position as the volunteer curator for the Piano Nobile Art Gallery at the Manitoba Centennial Centre. He also volunteered on the board of Age and Opportunity, and the C.N.I.B. A self-taught, yet accomplished painter, Arnold painted in oils, acrylics, and water colours since his teens. His series included benches, landscapes, clowns, people, Judaism, music and ballet. In addition to his painting, Arnold was a writer, singer and piano player. Again, having never taken a lesson in his life, Arnold could play a song on the piano without reading music. He could sing any show tune from heart, and perform it in perfect pitch. He performed in many shows at Rainbow Stage and the Hollow Mug. He has three unpublished novels, a half dozen plays and dozens of short stories and newspaper columns. In 2005 Arnold painted two bears for the CancerCare fundraiser, Bears on Broadway, his bears were Children of the World and Ha'bear'tat. Arnold was a man who would help anyone and everyone. He never said no when a neighbour, friend, family member, or even a complete stranger would ask a favour. He hung peoples paintings, built fences, poured concrete, built tree houses and sewed his own clown costume complete with giant foam shoes. He painted portraits of people and gave them to them, just because he wanted to. He painted cartoons on his clothing, just because he wanted to. He would choose to do things a little different than most, just because he wanted to. He would constantly challenge himself, his family, and his students. He was a husband, father, brother, artist, educator and friend. There was nothing wrong with making a mistake in his presence, he always said, the best art comes from accidents. Arnold's legacy will be always remembered by his family, his thousands of students, thousands of paintings, and his friends. In the word's of one his favourite folk singers, Harry Chapin, There are so many colours in the rainbow, so let's use every one. Funeral services were held on November 10, 2006 at the Congregation Etz Chaim. The family would like to thank Dr. Czaykowski and the staff at the Health Sciences Centre, and our family and friends for their care and support throughout Arnold's illness.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 19, 2006