Obituary
ROSS, John Francis – In his 77th year, John passed away wrapped in love by his family on November 11th, 2022, at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. A father always in your corner, or on the field umpiring, John gave himself to his daughters, and that’s all he wanted in the world. He wanted to feed us well, teach us to be generous, and make sure we drove a good car. Through his steadfast ways, John taught us to be better listeners, patient people and balanced workers. You know what he always said when you asked, “What’s the meaning of life, dad?” He’d always say, “To be happy.” John was a no-nonsense kind of guy and had no patience for the disingenuous. He also didn’t hold material things up against anyone. A son born into economically challenged times, he knew both sides of the coin. Determined to give his family a better life than he had growing up, he got a piggy bank that sat on the kitchen counter, and filled it with toonies and loonies. “Take what you need,” he’d say. “I can’t take it with me when I die,” he’d remind us. When we were in need of a car, he filled up the tank the day before. When we wanted to travel the world, he sent us packing with confidence. When we found partners of our own, he loved them too, with as much care as he gave us. Our dad taught us to trust love and to always share dinner with friends. “Don’t be shy,” he’d say to anyone at the table. John lived as a kind, intelligent, thoughtful, generous person. He was in many corners, standing up for others throughout his life. He thought his purpose was to serve others and his best servitude was his bigger-than-life living that just screamed, “Go for it!” John rose to success as the youngest Director of Education for the Lambton County Roman Catholic Separate School Board in 198Os and 90s, served as the Chairman of the Council of Directors in Ontario in the mid 90’s, and retired fourteen years later as the Director of two amalgamated school boards. In his leisure time he loved to watch all kinds of sports including the NFL (Minnesota Vikings), NHL (Montreal Canadiens), NBA (Toronto Raptors) and MLB (Toronto Blue Jays). In retirement, he worked alongside Jane as well-loved realtors for the Bowes and Cocks and C21 Brokerages. The pair are well known for their tart box gifts at Christmas.
John was born on March 6th, 1946 and raised in Douro, Ontario. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Jane (nee Pitchford), who sincerely cared for him during his long bout with chronic pain and immobility. He is proudly survived by his three daughters, Heather Ross (Mike), Kathryn McCready (Steve) and Ashley Rycroft (Colin). He will be missed by his nine grandchildren, Lily, Aimée, Cecily, Ruby, Orlaith, Hayden, Cormac, Roslyn and Landon. He is predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Marie (nee Leahy), and his two brothers, George and Claire. John is survived by his brother Dan (Grace).
Funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Douro, on Friday, November 18th, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s honour to Jumpstart (Canadian Tire). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Francis Ross March 6 1946 November 11 2022 (age 76)..
Death notice for the town of: Peterborough, Province: Ontario