George Ross, age 84, of Vancouver, British Columbia passed away peacefully on March 31st. For those who knew George, they know he undeniably lived life to the fullest. He took on every challenge, adventure and experience wholeheartedly, robustly and passionately.
George’s parents, Thelma Fraser and Donald Ross, lovingly raised him in West Point Grey. George attended Lord Bing High School followed by the University of British Columbia where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, he joined Proctor and Gamble and there the adventures began: first taking him to Montreal; then on to Marseille, France; Brussels, Belgium and Cincinnati, Ohio. His success continued in executive roles in several commercial construction companies relocating him to: West Bloomfield, Michigan, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Sherborn, MA, Mountainview, CA and ultimately Palm Harbor, FL where he continued to serve as a senior consultant for The Packard Foundation until he retired at age 78. Throughout the course of his life, George worked in, lived in or visited a total of 22 countries and was an accomplished international businessman with colleagues and friends around the globe.
As a young boy, George was taught to be independent, he learned at the age of six to take his wagon to the local grocery store. Having lost his mother as a young man, George devoted his life to study, achievement and holding the bar high. Throughout his life, George continued to challenge himself and others and never settled for the ordinary.
First married in 1959 to Maureen Rowan (of Sydney, Australia) in Vancouver, BC, they had two children, Glenn D. Ross of Canton, Georgia and Alison P. Ross of Marblehead, MA. Childhood sweethearts, they parted amicably in 1989 very proud of their accomplishments and mutual successes. Good fortune continued to follow George and he met and married Margaret "Kiki" (née Schiestl) of St. Louis, MO, who shared George’s love of France with her family in Brittany and who brought new meaning to George’s life.
Along the way, George had many passions: first and foremost, his family. He loved nothing more than spending time with family and friends. He cherished traveling, sailing trips (especially on his aptly-named sailboat “Joie de Vivre”), family graduations, weddings, golf outings, the symphony and decades of game nights with family and friends. More recently, “Hand n Foot” had become his favorite go-to game with 3 groups of close friends….one of which was the weekly “QuaranTEAM”.
The consummate planner, George always delivered…..especially planning month-long trips abroad. He always assured that incredible experiences and memories would be had by all.
George was a sharp guy. Not only was he intelligent, he was well-versed, well-read, well-mannered, well-respected and above all well-loved by all who knew him. Admired by many for his charisma, charm, positive attitude, willingness, strength, integrity and loyalty. What an impact he brought to those around him!!!
His children, Glenn and Alison, had years of fun with their dad. They shared numerous experiences including Little League baseball, Boy Scouts, skiing, camping, amusement parks and various vacations. He challenged and respected them as children and adults. He was their guiding force instilling confidence in them and respect for others.
After the tears subside, please cherish your own personal memories of George and keep his spirit and “joie de vivre” with you. He will be forever loved and in our hearts. George is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret "Kiki" (née Schiestl); two children: Glenn D. Ross (Laurie Earnest) and Alison P. Ross; two step-children: Bryan Irvin and Marc Irvin; as well as his grandchildren: Patrick (PJ), Mark, Ross and Renee; step-grandchildren: Ryan, Ashley, Christian, Preston, Michael and Nikolas; and great-granddaughter Grace.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Homes for Our Troops – www.hfotusa.org or ARC of Tampa Bay www.tarctb.org Pinellas County Chapter.
A memorial celebration will be held at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home.
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