Thomas Henry Ross

With heavy hearts the family announce the passing of husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather Thomas “Tommy” Ross. Tom was born at Rush Bay on Lake of the Woods on March 1, 1937 to William and Bella Ross. His school room was the wide outdoors, his teachers were the wind and the rain and the snow. He learned to paddle a boat, swim in the cold lake waters, to fish and to hunt and to harvest bounty of the land; wild rice and blueberries. He was educated in schools in Kenora and Shoal Lake, his ancestral home. Later as a young man he worked as a truck driver and operating heavy equipment.

He maintained the roads at both Shoal Lake 39 and 40, working also on the “Freedom Road” which will eventually give the island residents of Band 40 access to the main land. He loved his island home and it was in this quiet place he spent his last days.

Tom was predeceased by his parents; brothers John, Raymond, William and Charlie, sisters Hannah, Ida and Margaret and Helen and by his son Andrew Thomas.

Tom is survived by his wife Noreen and by his children Dana (Kathy), Rebecca (Joseph) Fobister, Michael (Glenda), Helen (Don) Morrison, grandchildren Deanna, Daley and Aaron Ross; Steven Munroe, Robyn and Nicole (Fobister), Michael Ross Jr., Justin, Joseph and Kayleigh Morrison, great grandchildren Ashton, Kylie and Aubrey, Julian, Jaden and Jairon, two sisters Diane and Norah of Thunder Bay and numerous nieces and nephews in Calgary, Winnipeg and Thunder Bay.

Tom joined the congregation of the Jubilee Church of God and was an active member, eventually becoming assistant Pastor. It was in this church he could be found on Sunday mornings, providing music with his guitar and leading everyone in song and worship. His favorite song was “The Master’s Bouquet”. No matter what the weather Tom and Noreen would make the twice weekly trip to church on Sunday and Bible Study on Wednesday. As Tom’s illness progressed and he was no longer able to drive, their friends at Jubilee made a weekly trip to Shoal Lake on Wednesday evenings. Tom always had a warm smile and a hand shake for everyone he met he had many friends-of people from all walks of life. But most of all he loved the Lord and his family.

On Saturday, July 05, Tom’s family spent (Unknowingly) their last time together and in the early hours of Sunday he answered the call to “come home”.

He faced his illness with great strength and courage but was unafraid because as he said “I know where I am going.” This faith, courage and love he passed to his children whom he dearly loved.

On Sunday morning at Tom’s house, two eagles came. Soaring on the wind they flew over and over again right over the rooftop of the house. Tom’s spirit, free from pain and weariness was flying high in the bright morning air. He left behind a feather as a token that his family should know his spirit will always be there for them.

Wake Service will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2014 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Church of Jubilee.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jubilee

with interment to follow at Lake of the Woods Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.