Obituary for George Birkley Ross
January 1, 1934 – November 9, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Birkley Ross, beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and Friend. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 9th, 2020 with his family by his side, at the age of 86.
George was born and raised along the Halfway River, northwest of Fort St. John. As a young man he participated in many rodeos, even competing in the Calgary Stampede!
He started his work career as a bull cook for a helicopter camp in Mayo. From there he moved horses from Fort St. John to Dawson City, then joined his oldest Brother in the purchase of a water truck, eventually buying him out and running the truck on his own. From there he went to Vancouver to get his welding ticket and purchase a welding truck, as well he hauled mud out to the rigs.
He moved to Slave lake where he met his future bride Peggy Fells. He started a slashing crew, and then went on to consulting with Jack Vanstone in High Level. While in High Level he studied for and received his commercial pilot’s license and flew many flights for Kenn Borek air Ltd. as well as others.
On to Hinton where his plan was to be a guiding outfitter. That did not turn out the way he wanted, so he turned his horses loose and went oilfield scouting for Art Webb in Slave Lake.
Around 1968 they moved to Edson, where George started Geo B Ross Trucking Ltd. doing road construction and hauling logs, water, gravel among other things.
George and Peggy were very active in the community, helping with the golf and curling clubs. George was also very involved with the Edson Arrows Jr. B hockey association. They were in Edson until about 1990, when George retired to Grande Prairie, spending the winters in Mesa, Arizona enjoying the sunshine and many golf games. In the last few years he was unable to go to Arizona so he enjoyed spending time with his Grandkids and finally Great Grandson.
George will be missed by his spouse Peggy, children Jim Ross, Berk Ross, Tracey (Frank) Vant Erve, grandchildren Colten Vant Erve, Brayden (Lacy) Vant Erve and Sarah Ross, great grandson Holden Vant Erve, brothers Lorne (Paula) Ross, Norm Ross, sisters Leah-Fay (Gerald) Able, Lana-Gay Elliot, brother in law Larry (Bev) Fells, sisters in law Berniece(Cliff) Sydbo, Lou(Paul) Podulsky as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
George was pre-deceased by his mother Jean Kramer, father James Ross, brother Lynn Ross, sisters in law Jinx Ross, Sandy Ross, mother in law Bea Fells and his father in law James Fells.
As per Georges wishes, there will not be a funeral service.
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of George Birkley Ross 01/01/1934 09/11/2020..
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta