RODERICK ROSS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

RODERICK ROSS June 20, 1923 August 26, 2012 With his wife of 59 years by his side, John Roderick Ross died Sunday at his home in St. Vital at the age of 89. Born in Eriksdale, MB, Rod was a prairie boy through and through, once complaining during a visit to Canmore, AB that "the damn mountains block the view." He spent most of his life at Fort Whyte, maintaining a small grain farm and working as a kiln operator at Canada Cement, where he was employed for more than 30 years. Imbued with a ferocious work ethic, Rod had few hobbies - said he never had time for them. Vacation from the cement plant was timed to coincide with seeding, harvesting, and cultivating. In retirement he finally slowed down and enjoyed wintering in Arizona with wife Margaret and acquiring new friends through round dancing and square dancing, until his health declined in recent years. As the only male child with many responsibilities on the farm, Rod was able to attend school only to grade 8. Yet he was a voracious consumer of print and broadcast news, was well versed on all things political, was a whiz with numbers, and enjoyed conversations with anyone. His keen mind never failed him, even in his final days when his body was too tired to continue. Rod was an honest, proud and dignified man. He loved drives down country roads; figuring out a solution for just about any problem; growing the perfect tomato; a good laugh with friends and, most of all, his family. Rod is survived by his dedicated wife Margaret, daughters Patricia (Ron) Manness and Barbara (Joe) Czech and son Ken (Sandra). He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jocelyn (Tim) Kitchur, Graeme (Adeena) and Matthew Manness, Cara and Joshua Czech, Mitchell and Kelsey Ross; great-grandchildren Hayden and Ethan Manness; sister Jean Claeys and numerous in-laws. He was predeceased by his parents John and Jane Ross, and sister Del Ross. Special thanks to Dr. Roland Hayward for his care over many years. A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 1, 2012 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, at 2:00 p.m. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 29, 2012