Dr. Saul Ross

May 6, 1934 to December 30, 2022

Saul Ross passed away on Friday December 30, 2022 at the age of 88, surrounded by the comfort of his family, and his favourite football on TSN. He leaves behind his wife Pamela, his brother Moe (Joyce) and brother-in-law Cary (Jan), his children Dana (John) and Karyn (Brian) and the lights of his life, his grandchildren Colin, Alison, Quinton and Serena. He was predeceased by his parents Al and Goldie, and is survived by many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

Saul had a full and vibrant academic career. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree at Sir George Williams University in Montreal, his Masters of Arts degree at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and his Ed.D in Ethics of Sport at Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in Toronto. He was a tenured professor at the University of Ottawa for over thirty years. He published many papers and books, and lectured all over the world. He was most proud of his Award of Excellence from the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation. He valued formal education, and was never happier than discussing University courses with his grandchildren.

Saul was an accomplished athlete. He shared his knowledge and skills with anyone who cared to listen and learn. He was the master of the ‘kill shot’ in racquetball, much to the dismay of many students and opponents. He and Pam regularly attended the gym right up until the pandemic closure, and then continued daily treadmill workouts at home.

Saul was a lifelong scholar. He believed in giving back to his community, and sharing his knowledge and experience. He sat on and chaired many Boards of Directors, and numerous committees. He contributed his expertise in ethics to the Grand River Hospital Ethics Committee for many years. He believed that no one was more deserving of his help than anyone else, and contributed generously to a myriad of charities. He was active in Beth Israel Synagogue in Ottawa, and Beth Jacob Synagogue in Kitchener, where he and Pam were welcomed when they moved here in 2000.

Saul and Pam enjoyed a wide variety of life experiences. They travelled to Israel, Europe, and Asia, and spent many enjoyable winters as snowbirds with friends and family in Florida. They attended and supported the KW Symphony, and greatly enjoyed attending the Stratford Festival and a variety of theatre.

The family would like to express our gratitude to all who cared for Saul. To all the doctors who provided expert care and protection, especially Dr. Bill Plaxton, Dr. Fred MacKinnon, Dr. Nick Afagh, Dr. David Stevens, Dr. Stephen Giilck, Dr. Brian McNamara, Dr. Cara Weymes, and many others, we thank you for your care. To all Saul’s nurses, especially Shannon, Steph, and our angel Cameron, we thank you for your care, your comfort and your kindness (and your attention to TSN). To all the other staff over the last few weeks and months at St. Mary’s General Hospital, Guelph General Hospital and Grand River Hospital, we are grateful. Thank you to friends and staff at Hygate Retirement Living, who have gone out of their way to take a crash course in Judaism and support Pam and Saul. To Pam and Saul’s closest friends from Beth Jacob who answered my calls with speed, compassion, and care, we thank you.

Graveside funeral service Monday, January 2, 2023 at 11 am. Private shiva.

Donations in Saul's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.

Rest in peace, Z. You were one in a million