Obituary of Richard Sydney Ross

ROSS: Richard Sydney 'Dick' -

Born August 5, 1944 - Died October 8, 2019

A resident of Chatham Township, Richard Ross passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Hospice with his family at his side on Tuesday, October 8, 2019  at the age of 75. 

Son of the late Jean (Simmons) and Andrew Ross. 

Beloved husband and best friend of 55 years to Elaine Ross (nee Ball). 

He will be kindly missed by his son and farming partner Doug Ross (Amanda Zielinski). 

Grandfather to Cam Ross (Kass Cerda) and Adam Ross. He was so proud and they were the loves of his life. He also loved his great furry friend Wrigley. 

He truly loved his sisters Marilyn Sayers (Dale), Beth Mann (Steve),  and the late Linda Dunlop and his late brother Larry Ross.

Survived by in-laws Stuart Dunlop (Lorraine), Theresa Ball (late Bill), Ruth Ball (late Lyle), Margaret Ball (late Jay), Yvonne Ball (late Murray). 

Predeceased by in-laws Jean Willson (Gord), Donna Blonde (Ivan Northcott, then Leigh Blonde) and Marjorie Skipper.

He was also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Dick farmed his entire life in Chatham Township, first with his father Andrew and later his son Doug and wife Elaine. 

He was an Elder and a life member at New St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church and the Chairman of the Owen Cemetery Board. He loved his boats, and he finally achieved his goal of owning the yacht of his dreams, his 40 foot cruiser 'the "R" Dream'. He loved his homes and his vehicles, but most of all he loved his farms. He took great care of his family, his church and his friends and was a quiet man of faith. Richard was a very genuine person and was always there for those in his circle. 

Special thanks to Dr. Dave Miller, Windsor Regional Hospital - Ouellette Campus, the nurses at ICU and PCU at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and the staff and volunteers at the Chatham-Kent Hospice for their care and compassion. 

Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Thursday, October 10, 2019 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 7:00 - 9:00 pm. A Celebration of Richard's Life will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, October 11, 2019 with Pastor Mark Aarssen
officiating. Cremation to follow with a private family interment at Owen Cemetery to be held at a later date.  Pallbearers will be Cam Ross, Adam Ross, Rick Ball, Wyatt Chapple, Gary Ross and Rob Sayers. Anyone from New St. Andrew's Church are welcome to form an honour guard at the close of the service. 

Donations made in memory of Richard to the New St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund or Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated. 

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040