Douglas Martin Ross, born March 23, 1952, passed away peacefully in his wife Dianne’s arms February 3, 2022, after a short and aggressive fight with cancer. Loving father to Sabrina Dubois (Glenn), and Melodie Mahood (Stephen). Brother to Lorrie Hay (deceased), Joanne Naylor, and Wendy Quick (Al) and Grandfather to Frankie, Chelsea, Cody, Connor and Daniel, great-grandfather to Matthew and Amanda. He was dearly loved and will be missed by many, including his mother-in-law Marie Ricketts (Earl), Brothers in law Wayne Ricketts (Shauna) and family, Bill Thrun (Meg), Aunt Dianne and family. Nieces Char, Roxy, DeeDee, and Darcy, nephews Roger, Jimmy, Lance, and Craig as well as friends including first wife Sherri Picoski (Herb), Geoff, Deborah, Greg, Bonnie and many more.
BC born and raised, Doug came from humble beginnings but through his tenacity, attention to detail and his great knack for numbers, he built himself a fully successful life as an aircraft mechanic at first Canadian Airlines and then Air Canada. Friends and family will remember him well for his loyalty, generous nature and his many hobbies including collecting rare coins, bottles, and art. As a young man, he was a bit of a rebel, known as a cool guy and could be found often playing cards. Later in life he enjoyed playing poker, as well as some light gambling and scratch and wins. Animals were of great importance to him, evident in his love of his many fur babies past and present, as well as his many trips to the bird sanctuary. He enjoyed nature, getting out to kayak, as well as traveling the world and enjoying different cultures.
Doug was a man of many talents, a beautiful singing voice, great sense of humour and also, for some reason could find a four-leaf clover anywhere. He liked to share all of his knowledge with anyone who would listen, and was well versed on history, collectibles, investing and many other subjects. He valued quality over quantity, authenticity and uniqueness and easily saw through the fake or false. A self-taught man of many interests, you would often see him on his computer checking stocks, building Star Wars Lego, or watching the hockey game.
His love for his friends, family and those fur babies was very evident in all he did, so much so that when his wife and daughter’s favourite winery was threatened by fire, he sprung into action with his son in law to help keep the flames at bay. Doug was one of a kind, and as rare as the things he valued. He only wanted what was best for us all and showed that so eloquently with his parting world to all he said goodbye to “have a good life”. Doug has gone to soar with the eagles now, but we know we will meet him again. He will be remembered fondly, with a smile, not a tear, because he wished for us all to have a good life. Celebration of life will be March 19, 2022, at his home, 1:00 PM.
The journey continues...