Ross Batson
Died: July 4, 2015 | Place: Parkwood Hospital, London
Obituary
BATSON, Ross…
With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Ross Batson of London on Saturday, July 4, 2015 at Parkwood Hospital. Beloved husband of Regina (Burke). Devoted father of Jane Batson and husband Rob Isabella. Proud grandfather to Emily and Sarah. Dear brother of Iris Krajcarski and her husband Don and loving uncle to their sons Stephen and Robert. Predeceased by his parents Elijah Batson and Mary Anne Feaver. Ross will be fondly remembered by his family and friends. Friends will be received by the family from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Sunday, July 12 , 2015 at 11 am. Cremation and interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London ON N6C 2R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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Ross was a good friend to me and we had many enjoyable times golfing and fishing. We also worked together frequently, from our different perspectives on Hospital issues over many year. He always listened to different views in a respectful manner.
I will miss my many recent visits with him and Missy and think frequently of Jane, Rob, Sarah and Emilie.
Ross was a fun guy who enjoyed being around the guys playing golf or cards or just having a few drinks of scot. Everyone in our HRA golf group loved him. He will be missed by all. A few weeks ago Ross came to our HRA dinner with the guys, had three drinks of scot, 2 deserts, lots of laughs and said farewell.
Larry Cousins president of HRA
My tax career started when Ross hired me on as his tax techician 31 years ago. Toughest boss ever worked for, boy, did he ever. In my first year, he gave me the most complex personal tax return of the firm, with tax documents about a foot thick, and all the US individual tax returns; simply because I’d asked for it.
Ross, thank you for believing in me. I would certainly not the tax person I am now without your continual challenge. I hated it when I only able to get your time walking you down the hall to get a coffee. But it was magical that few minutes of your resources can last me days.
To a great teacher and a great man, may you rest in peace. We will miss you always.
Celine Chan, CPA, CGA, CFP, TEP
Dear Friend. A lasting memory. Ross, Boomer, John and myself on Michael’s River, NL. Ross with a 15 lb salmon on his line and what looked like a 1/4 pound deer fly chewing on his forehead. No way was Ross going to take a hand off that rod to swat that fly. After a half hour, with blood streaming down his forehead, the salmon escaped. Ross’ comment: “What a great day! Tomorrow we’ll catch a bigger one”.
That was the Ross I knew. A fearless companion, tenacious, a great optimist, committed 110 percent to everything he did. I will be among many who are better for knowing him and will miss him being a part of their lives.
Sadness engulfed our hearts once learning the news of Ross’s passing.
He was a great friend, touching many on his journey through life. Although we will miss him, his smile, his pranks, his love, we will always cherish the good feelings of our many memories.
My most recent memory was when I visited Ross at Parkwood last Tuesday. It was a heart-warming visit even though it was apparent he was failing rapidly. My friend struggled attempting to speak unsuccessfully. I sat with him for a while then by chance I turned, and there on the sideboard was a photo of Ross and his two gorgeous grand-daughters. I said to Ross, ” so these are your grand-daughters you always talk so highly about, The Twins”? Well you should have been there, an enormous Proud-Grandpa smile came over his face. Precisely at that moment I realized, we can indeed experiance communication without speech. Ross was conveying how proud he was with his family that he is surrounded by. (I will never forget this moment)
Ross leaves behind a wonderful family and I know that comfort and support can be found between each other.
Please accept our heart felt condolences.
Ross was a business partner, colleague, mentor, and confidant. A connoisseur, bon vivant, raconteur, inspirational leader, and volunteer wherever his abundant talents were applied. Ross was a father, grandfather, and loving husband to Regina. But most of all, to me and many others, Ross was a cherished friend.
Ross is gone, and each of us who had the privilege of knowing him is poorer for the loss. I know, however, that I am a better person for having met him…as many of us are.
Rest in peace Ross. You’ll not soon be forgotten.
Dear Regina, Jane and family. I am deeply saddened by Ross’ passing. He was a very fine individual who cared deeply about his family and community. I also deeply regret not being able to attend the visitation and service in his honour as I have a flight to Europe on Saturday afternoon. Please accept my sincere sympathies on your loss. I will never forget how welcome you as well as the Grants and Davies made us feel when we moved to London in 1977.
Spencer Lanthier
Some 28 years ago, as a young manager, I encountered Ross when his client was purchasing mine. Ross diplomatically criticized my plan, helped me improve it, and his gentleness helped my later promotions. Subsequent mergers made us partners and we would meet at conferences. He was a perfect example of a partner in the firm.Thanks Ross.
A rich life lived fully; generous with his time for the community and others. Good people are missed – Ross will be missed.
As a former partner of Ross in both the Peat Marwick and KPMG days, I was saddened by his passing. Although we practised in different cities (I’m in Winnipeg) , I always had great respect for his professionalism and eagerness to help younger partners like myself. I have many fond memories of conversing with him over the phone or at national firm meetings and events. Ross will be truly missed.
It is with great sadness that we all acknowledge the passing of a wonderful man. Ross had retired as a KPMG partner just before I joined the London office but his lasting positive impact was very evident. He was an excellent professional but more importantly a wonderful, fun loving family man who made a positive impact on those around him. He was also committed to the community and healthcare in particular as he gave a significant amount of his time and talent to LHSC. May God grant him eternal peace and bless his family as they remember and celebrate his life.
A true friend and gentleman, he truly was. A terrific partner to work with when difficult problems needed solving.
A joy to be with on any occasion
UNIT # 4
3105 DAYANEE SPRINGS BLVD
Dear Regina ,I am so sorry to hear of Ross’s death . I have fond memories of your arrival in London and in particular Ross’s contribution to the capabilities of the office .As you can see ,I now live on the west coast so unfortunately will be unable to attend his services .
To Regina and all the Batson family. It was with profound sadness that I learned of Ross’s death. We grew up together as tax partners in Peat Marwick- KPMG. We had many fine times together over the years and his joy of life was infectious to all those who knew him. My heart goes out to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed. John Caldwell, retired partner, KPMG.
Dear Regina , Doris and I wish to express our sincerest of condolences–we have many fond memories of our times with you both and I will always remember Ross as the most amazing professional tax man
I ever met. Once again our thoughts are with you.
Doris and Brian
Dear Regina, Jane, Iris and families,
It was very sad to hear of Ross’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. We remember many good times together at Memorial University and during the contribution that Ross made to the formation of the first MUN Alumnae Association in the 1960’s. Also we remember the good times we had together when we visited Ross’s home town of Trinity where he dearly loved the fishing, berry picking and reconnecting with his old friends and walking the back woods and coastal pathways of his beloved community.
May he rest in peace.
George and Lib
Dear Regina, Jane and family:
It is with great sadness I learned today of the passing of your dear husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and brother. Please accept my sincere condolences during this difficult time in your lives. Ross is now in the arms of our Lord, and may He comfort you all in the days to come.
Sincerely,
Ruth Kenny
Ross was a close friend from University and early CA days.He was a devoted family man,Opera lover,accomplished chef and wine guru.His accomplishments in business and finance are well known but these other facets enriched his life and that of his many friends.He will be missed. Condolences to Regina and the family. You are in our thoughts .
It was with deep sadness that I learned of Ross’ death. Ross was my partner at Peat Marwick and then KPMG. He was not only an outstanding and dedicated professional but a true gentleman and friend. During the many hours we spent together, Ross always kept me entertained with his stories, all told with that infectious smile. I will truly miss him.
George Weinberger
I first met Ross in St. John’s in 1968. We both worked for Peat Marwick (now KPMG) and I was sent from Toronto office for two months there to help out. A typical Newfie he introduced me to much of Newfoundland life including cod tongues and other delicacies and we drove all over the Avalon in his Rover.
I met Regina during my time there and my first wife and I spent a great May long weekend at his parent’s home.
Ross and I both ended up in London and our paths crossed from time to time.
He was a great guy and I always enjoyed his company, his smile, his great attitude and his wonderful approach to life.
He will be missed.
Blessing and condolences.
Gord
we are so sorry to here of ross passing our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Ross and I were each tax partners in Peat Marwick, which became KPMG and although we did very little work together, I knew him as a gentleman who was always a joy to be around and who was liked and highly respected by his clients and those who worked with and for him.
I had no idea that Ross was ill and although no one will miss him more than his family, he will be fondly remembered and missed by all who knew him. RIP my friend
I was privileged to know and to work with Ross on behalf of mutual clients for almost 40 years. His knowledge of tax law was encyclopedic – as was his knowledge of wine. He used to kid me that QC appointments were given out like prizes in cereal boxes, unlike his well-deserved FCA designation. To Regina and Jane my deepest sympathies. He was devoted to both of you. He is a real loss not only to his family and friends but to the entire community.
Dear Regina, Jane and family,
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Ross. We frequently think back upon those few years as neighbours on Leland Place with great fondness. Ross will be greatly missed and remembered by many.
Love Chuck and Helen Beach
Dear Regina: so very sorry to hear of Ross’ passing. I had no idea he had been ill. Whenever we go to Trinity we always think of Ross as that was his home. To You, Jane, the grandchildren and the extended Batston family we send our heartfelt condolences.
Kay and Axel Sorensen, Torbay,Newfoundland
Dear Reginna:
With Kay’s help I am sending you this message as at almost 97 years of age, computers are over my head! Regina I wish I could see you and give you a big hug as I feel so sorry over Ross’ death. You two were so close and I know your life will be changed forever. I will pray for God to keep you strong and to grant Ross eternal rest. Love,
Aunt Mary Fleming, Torbay, Nfld.
The Highland Golf and Curling Scene over many many years featured Ross and Regina, up front and the centre of many a Club party. We were privileged to be witness during some of the lighter moments in your dynamic lives. It’s sad news indeed that Ross left early,,,, clearly he will be greatly missed by all who enjoyed his companionship, and you, Regina, his love and devotion for family.
Our Sincere Condolences,
Carol and Ken
So sorry Regina. May God be with you in this trying time. Hopefully you will be happy in your new life. Sincerely.C.E.
Dear Cousin Regina & Family. So sad on hearing the death of Ross. Knew him quite well when he studied at Memorial University. He sure was a man of honour and integrity,as well as a man of great intellect. He was such a wonderful support to you Regina. Treasure the memories.
Ross was a true gentleman and was
well respected and liked by his colleagues and friends.
We remember how warmly the two of you welcomed us to London and helped us settle in our new home.
It has been many years since, but we remember his smile and your generous, warm spirit! We finally visited Newfoundland last August, and drank a toast to you both.
May God bless you and comfort you, Regina. His was a life well lived!
Lynn and Warren Hale
We are so sorry to hear of Mr. B’s passing. He and Mrs.B were such kind “London parents” to a bunch of Jane’s classmates at Western. I will remember him cooking for one of his dinner parties, glass of wine in hand, telling jokes & entertaining his guests. Our love to Mrs B, Jane, Rob, Emily & Sarah
Joanne & Andy
Dear Regina and Andrea. I was saddened to very recently hear of Ross’ illness and passing. What a wonderful man!! So bright, ethical, fun, and kind. Ross was one of Peter’s favourites and Peter certainly looked up to him. A big hug to you both, Love, Gail (note to follow). Be strong.
I have been away and only heard now of Ross’s passing. Ross was the Children’s Aid Society board President when I was hired as Director in 1985. I remember well how you (Regina) helped calm our then young son with some ice cream at the Highlands GC and saved my wife and I from a potentially embarrassing situation. At was the first of many kindnesses that Ross and you extended to us and helped in our family’s move to London. Ross was calm and patient with his new Director, and his guidance during my initial years was instrumental in establishing myself , and the future success I would have. Ross was able to combine astute management, with down home common sense, which made working with such a pleasure. He was a fine man, and one I will always be grateful for knowing. I will keep him, you and Jane in thoughts and prayers. – John Liston