With mixed emotion we announce that Dad has made his final dash across Homeplate.
At his home, surrounded by memories and those that loved him so much Donald Joseph Ross joined his soul mate Cheryl on September 1, 2022.
He leaves to mourn, their four children: Troy (Miranda Fenwick), Tracy (Brent Walden), Tara (Chopper Robinson), and Tim (Lorraine Richard). His cherished grandchildren; Brianne MacKay, Jillian Robinson (Zachary Robichaud), Bradley Robinson, Robin Ross, Josée Ross, Audrey Ross, and William Ross. Great -grandchildren Heath MacKay and Lillian Robichaud and nephews John and Tom Daigle.
Born in Loggieville on June 29, 1940, to Joseph Hartt (d.2003) and Margaret Elizabeth (MacDonald) Ross (d.2010)
He was born leader having been the eldest of 11: Pat (Marc Gauthier), Grace (Jim Davin), Joan d. 2019 (Mike Proctor), Joe (Flora Kelly), Darlene (Bill McDonald), Stephen (Lydia Poirier), Robert d.2002, Mary (Mike Mott), Chris (Darlene Bjurstrom), and Shannon Asoyuf.
He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews and his dearest cousin Ruth Mace who has been his lifelong devoted friend.
Don gave all of himself in everything he did starting in 1956 when he worked as a Rink Manager/Program developer until 1961. This overlapped with his Softball NB North Zone director gig from 1958 – 1980. Within that time with SNB he was President for a 3-year term, and treasurer for a 3-year term.
While playing hockey at St Thomas University he attained his Bachelor of Arts and Education degrees going right to work as a Teacher/Principal in 1964 retiring in 1999 to open his ‘Poppy Daycare’ operation which ran for 20+ years.
He was President of the Loggieville Recreation Council from 1967-1988 during which he was the coordinator for 8 Winter Carnivals and 4 Summer Fairs. He spent a dozen years as executive Director of the Loggieville Community Center, and the Loggieville Building Committee (which was responsible for the 3 fields – including the lights)
From 1962-1988 he was part of, as a player, coach, manager – 97 Provincial Championships, 33 Maritime Competitions, 9 National Competitions, 18 Eastern Canadians. 175 of those tournaments were held in Loggieville with 1975 being the busiest year with 21!
He was the Director of Summer programs for 18 years and was a Village Councillor for 17 years.
When asked why he did all of this he said, “my objective was to keep the teenagers busy”. Dad loved being in the thick of things with his students. He genuinely cared about all the kids and felt responsible for their growth outside of school.
After stepping down from managing, coaching, and developing; he umpired. A lot. But he made time for his other passions – Writing, Genealogy, Loggieville history, and drinking tea at Tim Hortons.
He was a member of countless boards and organizations, too many to list.
He had been recognized for his efforts and abilities over the years via Appreciation Nights, Wall of Fame inductions (NB Sports Hall of Fame, Softball NB Hall of Fame, Miramichi Sports Wall of Fame, and STU Sports Wall of Fame) all of which he found to be incredibly humbling and cherished the memories and mementos.
Of all his accomplishments, his family was number one. Always. He dedicated the whole of his life to us, and to his community, ultimately to make a better life for us.
Visitation will be held on Sunday September 4,2022 from 2-4pm, and 7-9pm at Maher’s Funeral Home, 35 University Ave.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at Saint Michael’s Basilica on Monday September 5, 2022 at 11:00am.
As expressions of sympathy donations to the Mount St Joseph, Miramichi SPCA, Miramichi Food bank or a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Maher’s Funeral Home. Telephone 773-4321 or www.mahersfh.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Donald Donnie Joseph Ross 01 Sep 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Miramichi, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick