This is a long time after the fact, but I just learned of Wilson's passing a few days ago.  Wilson and I were close friends for a few years in the early 1970s.  As I remember him, Wilson was a deep, deep thinker, with a great sense of humour and a great deal of wisdom about things metaphysical.  We knew each other when I was coming of age and wondering about the purpose of everything.  I have to say Wilson had a huge impact on my outlook on life and the choices I made later, including the choice of a career in music.  We lost touch in the late 70s, but I'm so glad to see from all the pictures in this memorial that he seems to have a had a strong family life and a loving partner who was obviously the centre of his world.  Sorry to learn that he left this world so early.


I heard of Wilson’s parting at the 2019 reunion of my hockey team in Groningen , The Netherlands Europe. It took me a while to realise how much this meant for me.  Just now, listening to Bob Dylan,  Wilson Ross sprung into mind. 
Through google I found this memorial site.
I must have been 13 when he became my trainer and coach. Man did I look up to him.  Wilson became  one of the people who shaped my life. Taught me so much. Not only about hockey. He opened my eyes when he told me he was into Bob Dylan ánd Bach. Two different worlds for me then. One world for me now. 
He was a most friendly man and a coach in the sense that we look upon a coach nowadays: someone guiding people through life. 

Always supportive,  and tough for himself and for us, but never hateful. I guess he taught me what authentic power means. It serves me up to this day.
I remember he came to my parents house at the end of the hockey season, with summer approaching asking if he could borrow our vintage bus made into a camper, to travel to Spain. In exchange he worked our garden for a week.  I had a good time with him at our house. Years later when he drove me home during the hockey season he said “Joost, I noticed that you smoke, you better not you know”. Words coming from the avid smoker Wilson Ross.
I guess that Netherlands period must have meant a lot to him. Seeing that his wife was called Elke Geertjes, she must have been Dutch. It somehow makes me proud. 
I know Wilson meant a lot to us all in Groningen, and I remember him dearly. To his family and friends: please know he was a beautiful person who left his mark where he went. 

Kind regards, 
Joost de Smeth, 
Groningen
The Netherlands.

I  here this sad news today that  Wilson Ross passed away.Familie sorry for you lost.
 He was my hockey trainer coach  en team player in the Netherlands  in Groningen.

 Can you bring me in contact with his wife Elke Geertjes - Ross.

Edward Kort
edwardkort@telfort.nl

To Arwen, Leilani, and David; I was saddened to read of your mother's death and just now learned of the passing of your father this past summer. Your parents were delightful people and such loyal patrons of the arts. Your mother was obviously an incredibly strong woman, having fought such a long, determined battle against her illness, which I'm sure was greatly assisted with loving support from you, your father, and the rest of her family. Although I only had brief conversations with your parents, I knew from others that your father was a kind, very intelligent man devoted to his family and especially to his wife whose death was a heartbreaking loss. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.

Gay Silverman, Director of Alumni Affairs, Halifax Grammar School

Wilson always had time for a smile and a warm chat, we remember him especially for his love for his wife, family and of course for his other passion, hockey. An avid reader he could hold an exposé on virutally any public matter; his interest in literature and the arts at the forefront. Wilson, always willing to lend a hand, will be missed for his gentle and human approach towards those around him. 

Bengt Jörgen  &  Ballet Jörgen Canada, Halifax - Toronto

My deepest sympathy to Wilson's family. I met Wilson in 1985 while playing gentleman's  hockey at the Dalhousie rink. His humor and wit made all of us look forward to sitting around enjoying a good story and a cold beer long after the game ended. I don't think I ever saw Wilson get upset with another player; although he often got even! We will miss him as a dear friend and a great hockey player.

My sincere sympathy to the Ross and Geertjes families in the lost of Wilson and his wife Ekle. Wilson was always there to lend a helping hand when needed. He always had a great story to  tell abount playing hockey in Europe where he met Ekle. He will be missed.
Arnold MacLean

David, Arwen and Leilani - Wilson was a very good friend to Roy and to me for many, many years.  When I picture Wilson in my mind, he always has a smile on his face.  He was a happy man who loved and adored his family.  We enjoyed his sense of humour, his intellect, his interest in everything.  Conversations with Wilson were always lively and covered a wide range of topics.  He was a very kind and generous man and if I had to use one word to describe him, I would probably say "integrity."  His word was his absolute bond and he would always strive to do the right thing.  Several years ago he was talking to me a lot about the Harry Potter series of books, explaining that they were as much for adults as for children.  When he heard I hadn't yet started reading them, he bought me the first one.  I read it to my grandson and we were both immediately hooked.  We read every book together, finishing the last when my grandson was 16 - a little old to be read to by his Grandma, but it had become a tradition for us with Harry Potter and it drew us close.  I've always credited Wilson for helping me to create that bond, thanks to giving me the first book to get me started.  Roy would talk on the phone to Wilson for long periods of time, while I usually emailed with him instead.  We will both miss our regular communication with him very much.  Your Dad was a very good man and I hope you all are able to see both of your parents as being the very excellent and amazing role models that they were.  Wilson, like Elke, is gone much too soon in life.  I guess the only comfort we can take is that they are now together again.  Wilson was always deeply in love with his wife and we probably shouldn't be surprised that he followed her so quickly.

OBITUARY

Wilson John Ross

December 4, 1950 – July 24, 2013

Cruikshank’s Halifax Funeral Home

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