DUNCAN DONALD ROSS

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DUNCAN DONALD ROSS Peacefully, on Friday, July 23, 2004, at the age of 83, Donald Ross died at home. Don was born in Lewiston, Maine, USA, in June, 1921 and moved to Sherbrooke, Quebec, in 1929, with his parents. Following graduation from Bishops University, in 1941, he enlisted in the R.C.A.F. as an Observer, and served in Britain and the Middle East. While in England he married his beloved Kathleen Jean Walton, of Cottesmore, Rutland, on January 10, 1943. In their 61 years of happily married life, Jean and Don were also best friends, and enjoyed travelling, downhill skiing and tennis together. Besides Jean he is survived by three children, Susan Rawle (John), Geoffrey Ross and James Ross (Vicki), six grandchildren, Adrian, Mike, Geoff, Donnie, Colin and Stephanie, and great-grandson, Carson. Don and Jean shared with each of their grandchildren at some time, their many skiing trips to Banff, Alberta, over a 33 year period. Their love and companionship were a vital part of Dons life over the years. After the war, Don qualified as a Chartered Accountant, and worked for the Royal Trust Company in Montreal, Miami, Florida, Edmonton and Winnipeg, retiring in Winnipeg in 1986 as Vice-President, Mid-Western Region. In his early days in Winnipeg, he served on many not-for-profit boards, and was an active member of Lions Club of Winnipeg. In more recent years he served Manitoba Medical Service Foundation, Ruperts Land Capital Fund (Anglican Diocese), George Sellers Endowment Fund, and the Dafoe Foundation. However, his principal service was with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, where he was Chairman of the Manitoba Division for five years, and a member of National Council for seventeen years, serving there in various capacities. In 1993, Don was awarded the Canada Volunteer Award by Health and Welfare, Canada, and in 1997 the Arthur Napier Magill Distinguished Service Award by C.N.I.B. In 2002, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth medal. A memorial service will be held at St. Georges Church, Crescentwood at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 29. We wish to acknowledge the kind competence of Janice, Jules, Ricardo, Kerry, Hilu and their colleagues at the Palliative Care Sub Program of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. Your warmth made an enormous difference. In lieu of flowers which are gratefully declined, donations may be sent to C.N.I.B., 1080 Portage Ave., Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2004