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John Merrill Ross
Obituary for John Merrill Ross
May 8, 1937 – October 8, 2024
It t is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of John Merrill Ross on October 8th, 2024 at Suncreek Village Care Home in Surrey, British Columbia from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
He will be dearly missed by his wife of 60 years, Mary Louise; his sons David (Carla) and Glenn (Cindy); his daughters Christine and Jennifer (Jesse) and his grandchildren: Alex, Sam, Julia, Weijin, Jian, Hannah, and Jacob.
John was born in Pictou, Nova Scotia on May 8th, 1937 and grew up in the village of River John. He enjoyed playing various sports, especially hockey. He was also a dedicated air cadet. His father built an airplane in 1931, one of the earliest aircraft to be built in Nova Scotia. He passed down his love of aviation to John, who in turn passed it down to his son, Dave and grandson Sam, who are both Air Canada pilots.
He left Nova Scotia to work underground for Noranda Mines in Quebec in 1958. There he met Reg Beebe and his family, who took him in as a boarder, but eventually became a second family to him. A lifelong family friendship.
In the summer of 1964 he met Louise in Hamilton, Ontario, and they married on December 26th of that year. Together they raised their four children in Burlington, ON and with a move in 1979, Burnaby, B.C.
John was very social and he maintained lifelong connections with childhood friends, former colleagues, and old neighbours. He regularly returned “down home” to visit and he enjoyed going out on the boat to fish lobster and on one occasion tuna, with his niece’s husband Bob.
A kind, funny, and reassuring father, and a supportive grandfather, he always attended his grandchildren’s games, plays, and recitals and proudly took many pictures. He loved cameras and photography; camping, nature, and animals, especially birds, dogs and cats.
He would rather name a spider than kill one.
He was proud of his profession driving B-train tankers for Shell Canada and was recognized for over a million miles of safe driving when he retired. He also received two commendations for exceptional courage and capable action beyond the call of duty, when he provided life-saving efforts at an accident scene in 1973, ultimately saving a little girl’s life.
He dedicated many years to volunteering at the Abbotsford Airshow as a shuttle driver for the Shell hospitality tent, chatting with air force pilots, crew, officials and VIP’s. Additionally, he volunteered at the George Derby Centre care facility, where he combined his love of socializing with his desire to be of service.
Predeceased by his mother Lillian, his father David Mackay, his brother David, his sister Mary, and nieces Marilyn and Beverly.
In keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral service. Cremation has taken place under the care of Amherst Funeral & Cremation Service.
Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson Society of BC, BC SPCA, or charity of your choice would be appreciated.
2024
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice John Merrill Ross 2024
obituaries notice John Merrill Ross 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John Merrill Ross 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
