Reverend Dr. Douglas Ross
Died: November 6, 2021 | Place: London, Ontario
Obituary
ROSS, Reverend Dr. Douglas Harry…
It is with sadness that the family of Reverend Dr. Douglas Harry Ross of London and formerly of Foxboro, ON, announces his passing on November 6, 2021, in his 93rd year.
Doug is survived by his loving wife, Helen (Ferguson) Ross, for over 66 years. They met on the bus, while traveling from Kingston to Perth, since they were both graduates of Queens University. The path to Queens began in 1953; however, prior to that Doug was an electrician and owned a farm raising Aberdeen cows.
In 1957, Doug was ordained as a United Church Minister and was called to churches in Schefferville, Quebec, Ottawa and London. In 1980 Doug was president of London Conference and in 1984 was appointed executive secretary of London Conference until his retirement. Doug never really retired and was involved in interim ministries at several churches. His final job was minister of pastoral care at Wesley-Knox United Church until 2019, as well as Minister Emeritus.
Doug was a kind and reflective father to Jennifer Burnside and her husband Royce of Madoc, ON, Mary-Janet Ross and her husband Chris Watterton, and Liz Phoenix and her husband Dave, of London, ON. Doug was the big brother to Betty (Ross) Demille of Foxboro, ON.
Papa, as he was affectionately known to his grandchildren, will be greatly missed, but the many mini sermons live on with Jessie and Adam Read, Dillon and Jack Phoenix and Brennyn and Avyn Watterton. Doug was predeceased by his parents, Olive and Milton Ross, brother Glen Ross and brother-in-law, Wayne Demille. Doug will be affectionately remembered by nephews and nieces, as well as the congregational members of churches he was called to during his 65 years as an ordained minister.
In 1959, Helen and Doug purchased property on Moira Lake and built the family cottage soon after. The cottage was a big part of their lives as they raised their girls and grandchildren there. Doug and Helen enjoyed entertaining family and friends over the years at the cottage and many memories come from those special times! Doug always took peace from the times on the lake in his red canoe and the setting sun each night.
Reverend Doug Ross was known by many to be a wonderful visitor in times of need, even in his 93rd year. The family would like to express thank you to so many who made the last few years of Dad’s life so rich. The Wesley-Knox Family and Kiwanis Group provided much joy and friendship. A special mention should be given to Yvonne, a devoted caregiver who shared many happy times with Doug in the last year, as well as the staff at McCormick Home.
Friends will be received by the family from 2-4pm and 6-8 pm on Friday, November 12, 2021 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place at 11am on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7. At the family’s request, those attending both the visitation and the funeral service are required to be double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. Family and friends are invited to watch the service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting www.eyepoweredmedia.com/rossfuneral. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation and/or the funeral service. Per the directive of the BAO, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Doug Ross may be made to Wesley-Knox Memorial Fund or the Karen Shaw Watterton Memorial Bursary Fund, c/o Elgin Children’s Foundation, 410 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, ON N5R 3C7. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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My sincere sympathy to the Ross family. Dr. Ross’ caring and compassionate demeanor and his sense of humor will always be part of memories of a very kind and caring gentleman. Heaven awaits
Doug was a humble, caring man with a wonderful gift for teaching the gospel. He always took time to reflect carefully on questions asked of him before offering his response or counsel. He guided me and supported my family through many life events and I will always be grateful for that. I know he’s taken his place in heaven and will be greeting many old friends there. To Helen and the girls, and your families, may you find comfort in your many fun memories of times at home and at the cottage and may your faith sustain you in the days ahead. We can surely say “Well done good and faithful servant “.
Blessings and hugs! Grant
So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing.
Condolences to all the family.
To dear Helen, Mary Janet, Jennifer, Lis and their families. It is so sad that this dear man is no longer with us. However his legacy of teaching, comforting and befriending so many for so long will remain with us, I consider myself fortunate to have been part of “The Group” that included Doug and Helen. Our connections were strong and we found humour, faith, love and joy in life. I believe he felt caring for his family was the most important role he fulfilled.
Condolences to the family
Dear Liz, David, Dylan and Jack
Sending our deepest sympathies to all of you and your extended family Liz. I know from your stories what an amazing and loving man your dad was.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Margo DeVries & Frank Rizzo
Condolences to all the family
I was so sorry to hear this news. Dr. Ross earned our love and respect. He was a beautiful soul and will be so missed. To his family “May his memory be a blessing”
Doug was a wonderful gentle sole whom I cherish our yearly chats at the lake, he always made time to drop by and see me, he was a great friend of our family.
We send our deepest condolences to the entire family at this sad time.
Sending our sincerest condolences Mary Janet and Chris, along with the rest of your family. It is quite apparent that your Dad and Grandpa lived a long and beautifully fulfilling life and has left his mark on the lives of so many.
Wishing you all peace and comfort during your time of loss.
Sincerely John & Liane Brassard and Family
Our deepest sympathy to Helen, Jennifer, Mary Janet and Liz
Sincere sympathies to Helen, Mary Janet, Liz and family from Craig, Debbie, Rhiannon and Aslyn Ford.
I had the good fortune to meet Doug Ross as a teenager at W-K. He was a beacon to me and so many others growing up at W-K. He was always giving of his time, speaking to people in the church, listening and sharing his great sense of humour.
My most enduring memory of Doug is how proud he was of his new red Monte Carlo and driving it on the twisty Highway 518 like a Formula 1 driver!
Doug was a wonderful person; the world is poorer with his passing but heaven has gained a very bright angel.
Our condolences,Dr.Ross helped us both with visitation in our time of need,he was great
My family attended Bells Corners United church with Rev. Ross. Personally Doug ross had a huge impact on my christian faith. What a wonderful man & what a tremendous communicator, RIP
My condolences to all of his family.
He was a kind caring man and will be remembered for what he has done for me and my family.
Mary Janet and family. Your Dad had a rich and purposeful life. You have many memories to hold near to your heart. He will be very much missed by all who had an opportunity to know and interact with him.
A wonderful man who I will always think fondly of and always remember.
Dear Ross Family Members and Friends;Our family would sincerely like to express our very deepest condolences on the recent passing of an exemplary minister and true humanitarian of kind words and deeds as always here in London,ontario where you all travelled on many family vacatiobs and meals together as a family unit per say under Gods guidance and wisdom,My family members also came from the Ottawa valley towns of Smiths Falls and likewise Perth,Ontario,way back when;My sister Brenda was born September 9.1852,I was born on June27,1953,and my youngest sister Darlene was born on June 30,1956,all at the Great War Memorial Hospital in Perth,ontario,so many years ago,as my moms stepfather Albert Ebert owned a 250 acre farm outside of Perth,Ontario on the second line of Drummond Township as I recall and my dads family came from Smiths Fallls,Ontario,5 sisters and 3 boys way back then.What great times we all enjoyed milking cows and bringing in hay from the farm fields with smiles on all our faces of course in our younger years ha;ha;take care each one of you for us pkease ;Yourssincerely Brian and Mary Cross,Harry and Darlene TenHaaf and FamilyLondon,Ontario,Doug and Brenda Martin Scarborough,Ontario
Dear Helen and family, we send you our condolences on the death of our former Minister of Bells Corners United Church in Nepean, Ontario. Doug led our church from 1960 to 1974. In fact, he helped to build it, both literally and figuratively. He was held in the highest regard over these years and has not been forgotten by people who attended during his leadership period. He was always interested in history and wrote a short history of BCUC in 1961. I’m sure you will have many happy memories to support you in the weeks and months ahead. We send our blessings to all of you.
I so sorry to hear about the loss of your family member.
I am sending love and prayers to all of you
Sarah
Dear loved ones of Rev Douglas Ross:
I’m so grateful our paths crossed.
I was baptised by Dr Douglas Ross (in Schefferville!) Our families landed in Bell’s Corners around the same time. (1962?). I remember his probing, thought provoking sermons. My parents respected his intellect and compassion. He was a wonderful man and he made the world a better place.
My deepest condolences.
M Romaniuk
Heart felt condolences to you and your family Liz. Thinking of you.
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of a wonderful husband father, grandfather, minister and church leader and colleague. He inspired several generations of clergy and was a fine model for all of us, setting the bar very high indeed. Yours is the memory of a man you can always love and respect. Keeping you all close in prayer, Sheila and Richard Macgregor
It was my privilege to work with Doug as Executive Secretary and to serve in that role myself starting in 2012. I have often said, “When I grow up, I want to be like Doug Ross.” He was a role model for me and many colleagues. His wisdom, compassion and integrity won him the respect of all. His quiet, humble faithfulness was evident for all to witness. I remember his speech when he was nominated for Moderator where he offered himself to serve as the church needed him. He was a blessing to so many and his touching notes were lasting keepsakes. I last saw him a few years ago. Conferences have been replaced with regional councils and one of the regional councils I serve is meeting Friday and Saturday so I am unable to attend. Please know I will hold you in prayer.
Deeply sad to learn of Doug’s passing.
I can only imagine how many other lives and families he touched. It was a blessing he was part of our families lives for well over 50 years.
I last saw him at my Mom’s funeral which he presided over.
As he spoke, it brought my family back instantly to his sermons over 40 years before at Bells Corners United Church.
He was a wonderful man.
Thank you Doug for all the cherished memories.
A life well and fully lived.
John Romaniuk and family
We are so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. We always enjoyed his morning greeting at Wesley Knox. He was a very kind gentleman and we know he will be sadly missed. Our sincere condolences.
Rev Ross ran with perseverance the race marked out for him fixing his eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith. Therefore with confidence we can say Jesus prepared a place for him and has received Rev Ross to Him to be with Him (John 14:2) for the rest of time. May the whole world hear. Blessings upon the family for the celebration of a life well lived and a life finished well.
MJ,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. We are sending you and the entire family love and caring. We will see you soon.
Karen & Gord
My condolences and sincere sympathy are with Doug’s family. Doug was such a kind, gifted leader. He was a strong support for me when I was in a position with London Conference and we met at his ‘office’ at Tim’s as he passed along some good advice. His warm smile and gentle manner always warmed my heart as it does as I remember him today.
In recent years Marion and I have had many opportunities to visit and talk with Doug about his many experiences in life. One of the topics was his “Rural Roots” and his early years before he made the decision in 1953 to study and become a Minister. An invitation to dinner was seldom refused and the drive out from London was never on a direct route. This became an opportunity to “Crop Tour” and check out the progress of crops such as corn, wheat and soybeans. Doug was introduced to newer crops such as peas, edible beans and sweet corn. Every grazing beef herd along the way we checked out to see if it included any animals of the Aberdeen Angus breed.
In one of the conversations, we found out that Doug had a team of horses and worked the land in this labour-intensive manner. We live not too far from a Mennonite community so we were off in search of someone still making use of horse power. On a rural country road, right beside the road, we parked and watched a four-horse team working the land. On our dive home that evening we had the opposite experience as we parked in a laneway and had a 16-row corn planter and John Deere tractor come up the field and turn just in front of the car. By the way, we were late for MJ’s curfew time.
Today it is common to see the phrase “Farmers Feed Cities”, Doug was a first-class example of a Farmer turned Minister feeding the needs of a church community.
Dr. Ross was an inspiration to all, most especially to those in ministry. He lived his faith in every way and everyday. Such a humble, caring and loving person.
I have had the pleasure to have had him as a friend and mentor. When you have had the opportunity to sit with him one-on-one, you realize that you are in the presence of greatness. The secular world has lost a hero, but now Doug has his wings as an angel in heaven.
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful in small matters, I will give you much greater responsibilities. Come and share your master’s joy.’
Rest well my friend, you will be remembered.
Seeing that dear lovely smile on that dear man again – brought back so many memories. He and Helen were dear friends of my parents, Dorothy and Doug Parnell, and a part of our lives for so many years and occasions. His gentle soul and stalwart faith will be remembers and remain an inspiration.
We remember Doug with much fondness. He was a wonderful, smiling face on Sunday…so warm and kind. His sermons were the best! Our deepest heartfelt condolences to his family.
To Helen, Mary Janet and the Ross Family –
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of Doug. As you know, he and I worked together for many years in London Conference. He will truly be missed by so many! He was a dear friend; I admired him deeply. I’m so pleased Doug and I had that last chat three weeks ago. Do know my caring thoughts are with each of you. (A note will follow later.) Peace to you . . . Norma Clare
My sincere condolences to Rev Ross’s family members and to Helen. Doug helped me greatly at two turning points in my life for which I remain so very grateful. His “way” was so sincere and heartfelt, conveying great compassion and understanding without need for many words. His contribution to the world was impressive and he will be greatly missed. My gratitude to his memory will remain with me always! ??
To Helen and family,
My deepest sympathy on Doug’s passing. Our family first met Doug in 1953 as he was a student minister at our church, Calvin United, in Dewitts Corners. We have many fond memories over the years.
My deepest sympathy for your loss Liz, Dave, Jack, and Dylan. My thoughts are with you and your family. Sending you much love Liz.
I am so sorry not to be able to be there in person, at this time. Dr. Ross was a wonderful man and we will all miss him greatly. Debbi Jarvis
To Helen and girls and families I extend my sincere sympathies. Doug was a wonderful person and a wonderful friend to our family right from the time he came to Wesley Knox. I have many fond memories of him which I cherish. Such a caring man. He will be missed for a long, long time.God Bless you all
Any time spent with Dr. Ross was valuable time. While easy with his grace, everything he said and did had meaning and impact. He knew what his apostolate was, and he did it. We are all richer for knowing him, blessed for sharing love with him, and a little lonelier with that light on the hill being dimmed. Yet we know with his influences stretching far and wide it will brighten again soon.
Thank you to all the Rosses for sharing your father with us.
To Helen and family,
I first met Dr Ross when he visited my Mum for the Retired Minister’s group. He was such a comfort to Mum as he had known my Dad and could talk to her about him. He provided the same comfort to me through the years. Holding all of you close in prayer during this very difficult time.
MJ – We are thinking of you today and sending you a big virtual hug!
Your dad was a gem, and I will always remember his visits with my dad, sitting in the cottage porch, talking about friends, grandchildren, and cottage life. We miss them, but we were so lucky to have them as our dads.
Nancy Sherwin
Dear Helen and family,
It was many years ago that Doug’s life touched ours. My father was a fellow student at Queen’s Theological College and Dad served the neighbouring pastoral charge to yours (as I recall it) in Perth Road. Though I was just in public school, my memory is of Doug and Helen being great support to my parents, Fred and Gertrude Hewitt. Many years later, paths crossed again for my folks in Ottawa. Again, Dad was so pleased to have a few visits with Doug. Ministry kept a bond in my parents’ heart with both of you, Helen and Doug, even though miles separated you all for many years.
My condolences to you, Helen, and to your family. Doug was a wonderful ministry companion for Dad. Ruth (Hewitt) Sword
Our sincere condolences to the Ross family. May your strength and memories help you through this sad and difficult time.
My husband Rob and I send our condolences on the passing of Rev Douglas Ross. He married Rob and I back on Friday, June 13, 1975. May your memories keep him in alive in your/our hearts.
I extend my deepest sympathy to you all. Your Father was a wonderful Man. I have such fond memories of them at the cottage.
My Dad always looked so forward to their visits each summer.
It is always hard to say goodbye to a parent.
I had hoped to come to the service with Auntie Ruth and Jane but couldn’t make it that day.
He was always a kind man to us kids as well as a good friend to my parents.
Take care of each other .
Sending hugs and best wishes.
Mary Ruth (Shorten) Begbie