McLEOD, Ross John August 22, 1952 - September 5, 2011 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ross John McLeod at the age of 59 years. Born August 22nd, 1952 in Burnaby, British Columbia, Ross spent his formative years studying business and drama at the University of Victoria. Ross' love for the entertainment and hospitality industry saw him rise rapidly as an executive at the Pacific National Exhibition where he was responsible for Playland Amusement Park from the mid 1970's through to the early 1980's. In 1982, Ross founded Great Canadian Gaming Corporation and served as Chairman and CEO up to his sudden passing. Ross dedicated his life to philanthropy and the betterment of our community from the inception of the British Columbia gaming industry to the present day. Ross was a loving, gentle, caring man with many interests and passions beyond the business world. His immense kindness and generosity was obvious to the many family, friends, and colleagues who loved him; he positively touched the lives of countless people. He was a brilliant man with a love of many diverse cultures and spiritual beliefs. He possessed a truly adventurous spirit and throughout his life was a relentless world traveler. He loved music and played the saxophone in his youth. Ross exhibited a determination and enthusiasm for life matched by few. Ross' greatest blessing was the deep love he shared with his wife Sheila, and the happiness they enjoyed with their children and grandchildren. Ross' many achievements include receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Canadian Gaming Industry award presented to him at the 1999 Canadian Gaming Summit in Windsor, Ontario. In 2007, Ross was honoured with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Hospitality and Tourism Pacific Region) for his achievements in the British Columbia hospitality industry. In 2010, Ross was honoured by the C.H.I.L.D. Foundation when he was awarded and recognized with the prestigious Doorman of the Year award for his unsurpassed service to countless BC Charitable Organizations. Ross will be fondly remembered as the leader of over 4,000 employees across Canada and Washington State, as a confidant to his Board and Executive Team and a true visionary for the Canadian gaming and entertainment industry. Ross is survived by his loving wife Sheila, his sons Malcolm and William, his step children Stuart, Rachel, and Trevor, Trevor's spouse Julie and their three children Antonio, Daniel, and Jeremy, and his parents Roy and Dora McLeod. A memorial service will be held in Vancouver on Wednesday September 14th at St. Andrew's Wesley United Church (Main Sanctuary), located at 1022 Nelson street, Vancouver B.C. (Burrard and Nelson). An optional public viewing will be held in the chapel at 10am, with the formal service commencing at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honour of Ross McLeod to the British Columbia and Yukon Heart and Stroke Foundation, and to the Canadian Diabetes Association.