Ian Gordon Ross

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing due to a fall of Ian Gordon Ross at the Montreal General Hospital on Monday, July 4 at the age of 74 with his wife and family at his side. Beloved husband of Sandra Arie for 33 years. As well as his wife, Ian leaves behind his sisters, Helen Claire Ross (late Patrick Clarke) of Montreal, Donna Ross (Peter Szmidt) of Merrickville, Marjorie Ross of North Hatley, his brother Dugald (Joanne Hamel) of Hatley, and his nephews, JD, and Peter. He is also survived by his two sisters-in-law, Aalia and Gerri and his nephew, Charlie.

Born in Montreal on February 29, 1948, a leap year baby, Ian was predeceased by his father, Donald Armitage Ross (1992) and his mother, Mary Louise Ross (née Allyn) (1989) and an infant brother, Roderick (1946). Ian grew up in the Town of Montreal West where he made life-long friends, several of whom he had lunch with just a few weeks ago. Ian and Sandi made their permanent home in Pointe-Claire.

Ian spent much of his working years as a seaman on lake freighters that ply the Great Lakes. Although never seeking the spotlight, he was a gifted storyteller and would regale family and friends of life on the ships, the ports he anchored at and the many crew members he sailed with. It was a fascinating life, and Ian made it come alive.

Ian will be remembered for his kind heart, his love of family, his loyalty to friends and his encyclopedic mind on many subjects. His memory for facts and numbers was legendary. He was a people person, friendly and outgoing and never one to miss an opportunity to strike up a conversation, even with a stranger. Ian rarely complained and went about each day with a smile on his face and a good story to tell. His childhood summers at the family cottage at St. Gabriel de Brandon were ones he remembered with much fondness.

Ian was a skilled hockey player and an all-round athlete; he continued to watch and read about all sports especially hockey and baseball. He loved his Habs. He embraced any opportunity to encourage and cheer on young hockey players. Being at a hockey rink, watching any level of the game, was pure pleasure to him.

In his later years, the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Legion became Ian and Sandi’s community. Ian volunteered with the Legion Poppy Campaign and was also there to lend a hand to Sandi in the lounge. The members were his friends, and all loved him dearly. This was evident when the Legion lowered their flag to half-mast upon Ian’s death.

Please join our family for a Celebration of Life at the Montreal West United Church (88 Ballantyne Ave. N.) at 11 AM, Tuesday, July 26th followed by a reception at the Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue Legion (28 Saint-Anne St.). Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Montreal West United Church where Ian was christened, married and an elder and where his grandfather, Rev. Dr. Andrew S. Ross was minister for 31 years (1906-1937).

Those wishing to attend the service via livestream, please visit www.mwuc.org and click on “Online Services”.

Ian’s family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to neurosurgeon, Dr. Judith Marcoux and the attending nurses in the ICU Trauma Unit at the Montreal General Hospital for their care and compassion for him and his family.

Sail on, Ian, to smoother waters.