It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, Douglas J. Ross. Dad had a short fight with cancer and passed, surrounded by love, at his home in St. Albert on October 8th, 2021 at the age of 76.
Doug is survived by his wife of 46 years, Linda Farrell-Ross; daughter, Kinnon Ross (Greg Hookey); son, Stuart Ross (Natalie Perry); sister, Ann Smith; brothers, Neil-John Ross (Margaret Lucas) and Michael (Mary) Ross; nieces and nephews, Heather, Ross, Maureen, Julien, Olivia, Timothy, Carlo, and Giulia.
Doug is predeceased by his parents, Sara “Sadie” and Neil M Ross; sister, Sheila; brother, Cameron; brother-in-law, Chris Smith; mother and father-in-law, Joyce and Joe Farrell.
Doug enjoyed a long career in the insurance industry, which took him to Yellowknife, NWT, Whitehorse, Yukon as well as to various international destinations. He spent his high school days at his beloved Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Saskatchewan, and his formative years growing up in St. Albert with his large extended family.
Doug loved to golf, ski, play hockey and fastball. He spent many mornings with his good pals Don, Brad, Al, John, Dick, and Don at various golf courses for breakfast and a round of golf. He was active with the Notre Dame alumni association and attended old timer’s breakfasts when he could. There were endless stories about the times spent with two of his oldest friends, Bud and Garth. Doug saw his fraternity brothers regularly with one of his final home visits made by Bob and Jim.
Doug was a friend to many and had a knack for making sure that those around him felt loved and acknowledged. He loved books and history and was known to re- read his favourite history books every year. Most importantly, Doug loved to spend time with his wife, Linda, and his kids- which is why we are all so grateful that we were able to bring him home for his last days.
Dad didn’t want a large funeral or celebration. Our family has gathered and cremation has occurred. There will be a gathering arranged for friends to pay their respects and share some laughs in May 2022.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Brown at the Sturgeon Hospital, Dr. Cunningham, Dr Tai, the various nursing teams that were incredibly kind and compassionate to Doug during his short stay at the UofA Hospital, and finally to his family physician, Dr. Rezvan Ghiassi-Razavi, who was of great support in getting dad home to be with us for his final days.
Ron Sulz says
So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. He was a true friend of mine and we enjoyed many happy times together. We especially had a great time together in Spain in 1975. Those memories will remain forever. Our luncheon get together s in Edmonton with some of our friends was also enjoyed. We had great times in Yellowknife when we both lived there playing ball and hockey etc. Doug may you rest in peace
Carrie G says
I’m so sorry Kinnon, my heart aches for you. Losing a parent is very hard but you’re strong and loved and you’ll pull through somehow. I know you were very close, I know you will treasure your time together forever. 🥲❤️
Scott Harrison says
To Kinnon and family
May this be your last sorrow
Richard G Shuhany says
Doug was a dear friend and fraternity brother for over fifty five years. We counciled each other in good times and in not so good times. One thing you could count on was Doug was always there.
Take care my brother.
Pax Vobiscum
Roger Gouin says
My deepest condolences to the family and close friends.
Doug and I were at Notre Dame College together in the early 60’s
He was an Old Boy and I wasn’t yet in high school, he was kind to me and I admired and respected him at my young age. Later we hooked up again at the Royal Mayfair, were we would exchange stories about the Hounds of Notre Dame.
Doug will be missed.
Kinnon Ross says
Hi Roger- could you email me your contact information?
thanks
Kinnon Ross (kinnonross@me.com)
Al Summers says
Although I was a more recent golf and coffee buddy we had a connection through both. I will miss him greatly. God Speed My Friend. You leave much too soon! We are left with heavy hearts and memories.
Tim Maloney says
Kinnon and Family,
The news makes me sad and Doug was truly one of the great Hounds. Over the years I had the great privilege of getting to know him and what a grand guy he was. His love of live and fellow man was a joy to witness.
Prayers are in my heart.
Tim
Bruce L willis says
Doug was a wonderful friend and family man. Many was the time I would drop by his office after work for a talk to fix the problems of the world. He stood up for what he believed and was funny and fun and I can’t believe he no longer is with us.
James Rasmussen says
All will miss his quit acerbic wit. It’s been lots of years since we played Riverside together. TKO.
Beth Day says
It is a sad Saturday. My forever friend has passed. My sincerest condolences to Linda and family. He was a good friend.
Sharon Lamarre says
My memories of Doug go way back to our childhood at Alberta Beach where we shared so much fun at Ross’ Roost, the memorable yellow cabin that you always knew was open to friends’ visits when the shutters were propped up. We played so many board games around that long kitchen table during rainy days, and spent countless hours together frolicking in the lake during the long sunny days of summer, while our mothers sat on the beach counting heads.
We have lost touch over the years but I would still recognize your voice to this day, and think of Doug every time I drive by your cabin.
Kinnon Ross says
HI Sharon- could you email me your contact information?
thanks
Kinnon
(kinnonross@me.com)
Richard G Shuhany says
Our deepest sympathy to Linda, Kinnon, Stuart, Neil-John and Ann on the passing of Doug. He was bigger than life and will be greatly missed.
Cherish the memories and reflect on all the good times together.
Pax Vobiscum
Scott and Richard
Pat McKim says
I met Doug when he arrived in YK in 1972. We became fast friends & enjoyed a lot of good times. My condolences to his family.
Murray says
I would often quote some of Doug’s more memorable comments.
He was an astute judge of character and was able to sum up complex issues quickly and clearly.
He loved Pere and I enjoyed being with him when he recounted ND stories
A good one of the gang who will be missed
Murray smith ‘65
Kinnon says
HI Murray- could you send me your contact information?
Thanks
Kinnon Ross
(kinnonross@me.com)
Connie (Smolyk) Johnston says
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to Linda, Kinnon, Stuart, and the rest of the Ross family. May you have many cherished memories to hold close to your hearts.
Ray Santa says
My condolences to Linda and the kids. Doug and Linda were great friends of mine while they lived in both Yellowknife and Whitehorse. We had some great adventures together in the NWT and Yukon and Doug’s sense of humor and good advice will be missed by all his friends from “north of 60” especially the Lankys Angeles team.
Jo Grassick says
Many great memories of DJ Ross being as serious as he could be stating the obvious to the rest of us blathering idiots which would then dissolve us all into laughter.
We did ok in the marriage department Doug and Linda ,Fred Archer and Marilyn ,John and I .
Thanks for the good times and heartfelt sympathy to Linda and family.
Jo Grassick
Kinnon says
HI Jo- could you email me your contact information?
thanks
Kinnon Ross
(kinnonross@me.com)
Wilf and Val Chiasson says
We lost a dear friend, Doug Ross, October 8, 2021. We’ve known Doug and Linda for over forty years. Wilf and Doug shared an interest in sports and all that entailed; Val and Doug shared political discussions and all that entailed. We shared some lovely holidays – will never forget the joy Doug had on our first trip to Palm Springs!
Linda, Kinnon, Stuart-and the rest of the Ross clan- he loved you all so dearly and loyally; you encompassed the greatest part of his life. Will we ever forget his irrepressible teasing and giggling?
Doug knew who he was and embraced the goodness of life. He will be dearly missed, Wilf and Val Chiasson
Bob Bennett says
Losing my good friend of fifty years hurts deeply. A fraternity brother, fellow rugby player, a man to talk with on a real level and one with a heart of gold. We visited regularly and I couldn’t wait for the next tête-à-tête. A kinder man I don’t know.
Rest In peace, brother. You are missed.
Bud Wood says
Bud Wood
Doug and I became friends almost 60 years ago. I spent many a weekend nite in the bunk house at the lake cabin. As time moved on I got to know the Ross family very well and times it was like my second home. We eventually shared a few apartments with an assortment of rascals and enjoyed a good time. We were each other’s best man and all though he went north to continue his career in the insurance business we always remain in contact. He always sent we a birthday card rudely reminding me that I was older than him and he always signed with MYBHC. My boyhood chum.
Doug was very honest, fore right, good humour, and he was very loyal to those he got to know, especially to his family. He will be sorridly missed but never forgotten.
So Doug I sign off with YBHC
Your boyhood chum.
Peter Biollo says
A great friend! Save me a place Doug.
James says
My sincere condolences to all of his family. I was very lucky to have met the Ross family during some very difficult times in my life and I cannot say enough good things about Doug. Absolute legend of a person. Irreplaceable.
Rusty Stewart says
This is late coming but very heartfelt. Doug and I were friends for 60 years We met at his frat house at university
and met up again in Yellowknife. His wife Linda is my best friend through thick and thin.
I loved reading memories from others,
Loved by me forever
Tom Smith says
Dear Linda, Kinnon, and Stuart and family:
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of Doug. A giant of a tree has fallen and he will be missed greatly.
Ted Richard says
Condolences to Linda. Only now learning of Doug’s passing . He was a great guy, I enjoyed our times together in Yellowknife back in the day. Great memories.
Barb Suelzle says
Dear Linda and family,
My condolences on the loss of Doug, was so sorry to hear of his passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I am sure you have many wonderful memories that you will always carry in your heart.
My name is Barb Suelzle ( nee Josey, Terry and Roy’s daughter ) I haven’t seen you in many many years since we had a get together at the cabin at Alberta Beach. We played a game called washers, Uncle Bernie was my partner. You and I had a great day. I live in Drayton Valley and have now for many years. I saw where you may have something in May, and if possible would love to attend. My home phone number is 780-542-5472. Take care of yourself.
Kinnon says
HI Barb- can you email me your contact info?
thanks
Kinnon Ross