Mr. Ross W. Smith

He was born and raised in Ottawa with siblings Barbara and Naomi, with summers spent at 31 Mile Lake in Gatineau. His mum was insistent that any Canadian had a duty to learn both official languages, so sent him to the only local French school: the Congregation de Notre Dame, for girls. Boarding at Bishop’s College School in Lennoxville followed, during which he lost his front tooth playing hockey on the frozen river. In the final year of the war, he attended Royal Roads Naval College in Victoria, where, he said, he was small but talented in boxing. He then studied at McGill University—initially for engineering, but after a summer working in the dynamic newsroom of the Ottawa Journal, he was hooked and followed his passion for journalism. Ross had an insatiable curiosity that defined his life. He spent many formative years at the Ottawa Journal—the family business—where he rose through the ranks from a cub reporter to city editor.

Following his newspaper days, Ross enjoyed a successful decade as the editor of Canadian Geographic, which he described as the most rewarding of his career, and where circulation doubled during his tenure. It was a role that perfectly aligned his natural curiosity with his deep love for Canada. He lived by the motto "making Canada better known to Canadians and the world," a passion that frequently spilled over into legendary, long family road trips. With a car full of kids in the backseat, Ross was in his element, happily regaling and quizzing his family with every imaginable piece of geographic trivia along the way. And even in retirement in Victoria, Ross always had his pen in his breast pocket, ready to edit anything put before him, including publications for the Maritime Museum of BC.

Ross’s life was enriched by a large, loving family. He is survived by his second wife Johanna (Ans), his sister Naomi, his children: Daintry, Felicity (Paul), Christina (Bruce), Ross (Trisha), Philip (Maraina) and Thomas (Cristina); and his cherished grandchildren: Harry, Max (Lucia), Alice, John, Ross William, Genève, Eden, Phoebe, Sebastian, Ngapera, Matilda, Juno and Aelyn. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara, his wife Diana, and his wife Georgeane, with whom he spent the last 25 years enjoying travel and embracing the role of grandfather to her many energetic grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ross’s signature optimism never wavered. His final outing in his one hundredth year—a stroll along the waterfront, enjoying ice cream alongside his twin granddaughters—was a reflection of a life exceptionally well-lived.

He will be missed.

Details regarding a celebration of life will be shared by the family at a later date.