Peter Douglas Ross
October 13, 2017
Obituary
Passed peacefully away on October 13, 2017, Peter Ross aged 77 years. Leaving to mourn his wife of 53 years, Jill; special daughters Anna, Heather Clarke (Steve) of Kanata, Ont., and Sarah Ross (Trent); 4 precious grandchildren Mackenzie, Jayden, Leanne and Evan; brothers and sisters David (deceased), Robin (Mary-Anne), Heather Downer (Robert) and Marilyn Brocklehurst (Bern); sisters in law Shirley Ross Breen (Pat) and Elizabeth Rideout, Kennesaw, Georgia; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. The family would like to thank all the wonderful and kind people who looked after Peter for many years, and neighbors and friends who would drop by for a visit. An extended thank you goes out to the Health Sciences Emergency Department, 4 South A and ICU, also Pleasant View Towers, for their care and compassion shown towards Peter. As per Peter’s wishes, cremation has taken place and arrangements are entrusted to Carnell’s Funeral Home. Donations in Peter’s memory may be made to VOWR at P.O. Box 26006 St. John’s, NL A1E 0A5 or emailing vowr@vowr.org.
It’s been 6 months and reading the condolences on this site still hurts as much as it did a few days after he passed. Peter was my grandfather, and the biggest most talkative person i had ever met in my life, he could always talk to anyone for hours of you’d let him. As a child I have so many memories of me catching butterflies in our tent and little prickle fish at the pond with my pop. He was and still is the most amazing man anyone could’ve known and I miss him terribly still. I miss you pop and I know you’re looking down on us all, but I wish you were here instead loving nanny and all of us, she misses you the most.
Mrs Ross, Heather, Sarah and Anna,
So sorry to hear of Mr Ross’s passing and would like to pass along my sincere condolences at this difficult time.
Geoff Redfern
I have just leanred of Peter’s passing. I worked with Peter at CBC Television in St. John’s from 1991 until his retirement, and he was the electrician I always called after that. Peter’s upbeat, positive approach is something I’ll always remember. He was the type of person who made everyone’s day. My deepest condolences to Mrs. Ross and all members of Peter’s family.
Phil Smith
Stephenville Crossing, NL
Dear Mrs. Ross, Anna, Heather and Sarah and families,
I was so very saddened to learn of Mr. Ross’s passing last week. As a Warren Place neighbour, his presence played a major role in my childhood and young adult years, as so many other people have written in their stories about him. He was a generous, kind-hearted man with a large personality; we often called him the “Pied (Peter) Piper” of Warren Place as all people, especially children, on the street would flock to him. His Vega/van would always be filled with a group of kids for a special trip to Mount Cashel store; no one was left behind. His errand list set forth by Mrs. Ross was always done with a smile and enthusiasm; “Pete can you run down to Thornhill’s and pick-up something”, “Pete, can you run and pick up Auntie Marg, she needs a drive”, was completed with delight. He provided unconditional help to anyone who needed it; after a blizzard, Mr. Ross would borrow our snow blower to do his driveway and the next thing you’d see him going driveway to driveway helping person after person until everyone was shovelled out. He thrived on it. But, no matter what he did, his heart was always first and foremost at home with his “four” precious girls. You were his treasures.
My hope is that he is now surrounded by special people in a special place, still doing all those things that made him so very happy. Mr. Ross will be much missed; I will keep you all close in my thoughts and prayers.
Thinking of you all,
Pam Snow (David, Malcolm and Heidi
Lots of good memories of Peter as a neighbour on Warren Place, and as our friendly electrician-on-call for years afterward. He told me once that you shouldn’t replace an appliance unless it’s no longer working. He would probably be happy to know that I took his advice and still haven’t replaced our turquoise-coloured oven, ~60 years old, because it’s still working haha
My condolences to Jill, Ann, Heather, Sarah and families.
I’m am very sad about the death of my grandfather. I have many fond memories about him, and would like to share one. I was 5 years old, and my grandfather and grandmother had just arrived home from the airport on a Friday night. They didn’t visit very often, so this was very exciting for me. My grandmother had just purchased a small Lego set for me (as I had been a big fan of Lego back then) and we were all eating supper at the dinner table. We were all chatting with each other, and I remember it to be a lot of fun. After dinner had finished, I was getting ready for bed when my grandfather came in my room with 2 foam swords and challenged me to a foam sword fight. It was a lot of fun for 5 year old me, and I remember that day fondly because of that event.
Mrs. Ross, Anna, Heather, and Sarah,
Warren Place was a special street for us “kids” – the childhood memories of the fun we had our endless. Our neighbours were like family, and that was especially true of some, like your family to us. Mr Ross was always there to take us places – to CBC to see Skipper and Company, fishing at Kent’s Pond, trick or treating, or just sharing in the crazy carpool to name a few. . . . always with a big smile and an interesting story. Even after I grew up and moved into my own place, Mr Ross was still generous with his time, to take a phone call or come in person to check the electrical work in my new home. And still, with a smile and a story to share.
It was nice to visit with you on the weekend, Mrs Ross and Anna, and to reminisce about Mr Ross and even learn some things I never knew before. Please know that I am thinking of you all at this time, and remembering Mr Ross, with a smile and lots of wonderful stories.
Allison Hobeika and Family
I am so sorry to hear about Pete – Mom said he hadn’t been very well when I spoke to her last weekend, but that he had a lot of improvement. Seems so sudden. He will always be there in your heart – and in the hearts of many!! I was thinking about him yesterday and the memory came to me of how he used to take us to the Tire Park (remember?) & then would usually buy us an ice cream or popsicle on the way home. Always with a smile & a story to brighten everyone’s day. I can hear him now…”Oh, hey! Did ya hear about….”. Remembering him brings a smile to me… He was a strong character in my childhood…I never think of home & of Warren Place without thinking of him. Big hugs to you all.
Jill and family
So sorry to learn of Peter’s passing. What a great person. He was so kind and generous with his time with people. Dad always enjoyed when he visited to give him some help. I don’t know who was listening to whom. He was so proud of the begonias he grew in the summer. He was a great person. I’m sure you and family have many wonderful memories to help you at this sad time for you all. Sincerely Dave and Linda Barrett
Dear. Anna,
I am.so sad for you and your family. I think of your.dad with.great.fondness. I remember that he’d often pull up in the driveway with a car full of treats for the kids of Warren Place. He’d take us all around the neighbourhood on Hallowe’en. In all, he was a kind and gentle man whom we all loved on the “street”. He’ll be greatly missed.
To Anne and family.
Brian and I want to extend our sincere sympathy on the passing of your father. I have always had the greatest respect for Peter for the way he went about doing his work with such professionalism. He truly was a pleasant person to be with. Wish you all the best during this trying time.
To Anna and the Ross family, I would like to pass along my sincere condolences in this difficult time. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hi Anne…. please except our sincere condolences on the loss of your father….take care and I’m sure you have many wonderful memories. Dean
Jill, Anna Heather, and Sarah,
My sincere condolences on the death of Peter. I have lots of fond memories as I am sure you all do. How many Christmas concerts went off without a hitch because of his expertise with the lighting. And, I remember those dart nights at Dave’s or Winces.
Treasure the memories. All the best.
Jim McGrath
To Anna and the Ross family, we at the VPCC are very sorry for your loss. We hope that over time that your grief will be replaced by the many happy memories that you have of his time with you. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. -Wallace, Vicky, Juanita, and Ed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I worked with Peter for many years at the CBC .I have lots of great memories.
Mrs. Ross, Anna, Heather, and Sarah,
Mr. Ross was a special part of Warren Place. It is hard to believe that he will not be there to visit when I come home on my next visit. I am so sad to hear of his passing.
From his many stories, that he would tell us, to his days of bringing me to CBC with Heather, to the many car rides back and forth from our hectic sporting events – he will always be remembered for the kind and giving person that he was.
I hope you know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sharon (Mike, Eli and Natasha Crichlow)
Pete was a hard worker and there if you needed a help. He was always pleasant and kind –a great legacy -my condolences to Jill and family
Mrs. Ross, Anne, Heather and Sarah. I was very saddened to hear of the loss of Mr. Ross. Fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed; may your memories continue to give you comfort as well as those that others share with you of their wonderful memories. My heartfelt condolences to you at this time.
Sincerely,
Susan Proudfoot Blanchard
So sorry to hear Heather your father passed away. My sincere condolences to you , Steve and your family at this difficult time. Take care sweetie! XO
Jill and family
It is with a very saddened heart that we express our sincere condolences to you and the family upon Pete’s passing. Another one of our CBC family has departed.
Jim and Mary Thistle
So sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. I have many wonderful memories working with him at CBC.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. God Bless.
Jill, Anna, Heather, Sarah and family:
Sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. I will always have memories of his music playing and him singing along as he sat in his chair in “room 123”. When I think about the few brief dances we had for a laugh I just smile.
I wish you peace
Donna M
Mrs. Ross, Anna, Heather, Sarah and families:
Mr. Ross was such a big part of us growing up on Warren Place – especially Halloween and taking us ‘trick or treating’ , and with the neighbours – he was always available to help out if dad needed help with electrical work…. he will always be talked about and remembered in the kindest way.
Very sorry for your loss.
Dawn and Carter family
Mrs. Ross, Anna, Heather, Sarah and family so sorry for Mr. Ross’s passing.
I have no words to reduce the pain of our loss. A most wonderful man.
Always appreciated his time, smile and enthusiasm.
At this time, I do want to share a story to indicate my admiration of him and his great spirit.
In the mid 80s, we went to a badminton tournament in Bay Roberts. It was a winter.
On our way home, it was snowing once again.
Mr. Ross was bringing us back. The roads were becoming more and more difficult to drive.
At one point we could not make it up a hill. As we were descending backwards now in the car, a pickup appeared at the top of the hill. Instead of stopping seeing we were stuck and going down in reverse. The pickup started to drive towards us. This at a reasonable speed.
I do think Mr. Ross calmly (don’t recall any colourful language, but in hindsight if he didn’t, ever more impressed) commented on how foolish the person was being.
The pickup driver attempted to use his breaks, but was not slowing down one bit. It kept coming towards us. We braced for being hit. We were hit. We rolled back and not much happened.
Mr. Ross had smartly, after impact, steered us towards a driveway or path on the way back vs the ditches that were lining the road. That quick thinking and calm, certainly made the moment easier. I would go so far as, I think he even made us laugh!
I have thought of that moment many times over the years and think how wonderfully he took a potentially bad accident to a non incident. Impressed and appreciative of him. Always.
My best to you all at this time. We will all miss him.
Yours,
Raj
Jill and Family
It”s with sadness that I heard of Pete”s passing. He left a lifetime of memories .RIP
Keith and Anne
Peter was a wonderful , kind and helpful man.He will certainly be missed in our neighborhood .Our prayers and deepest sympathy for Jill , Anna , Sarah , Heather and family.
So sorry to hear the news about Pete. To Jill and family my deepest condolences. Nobody was more enthusiastic than Pete. A great worker and friend. RIP Pete.
Jim Byrd, Port Credit,Ontario
Jill and Family,
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family on Peter’s passing. Peter has been a good friend for many years. May your memories and the support of family and friends help at this very difficult time. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Harrison and June
Jill and Family,
Seems like only yesterday when Pete would come by the office to pick you up. Memories are forever, hold them close at this time.
Curtis
Our very condolences on the loss of such a wonderful man. He was so full of life, energy, and fun. We were so blessed to have known him. He will be missed. He is surely entertaining the crowds in heaven now.
Jill, Anna, Heather, Sarah and family…so so sorry to here of Peter’s passing ; no words could ease your pain but a wonderful lifetime of happy memories to hold in your hearts forever. Many a great visit with Pete , I looked forward to the tunes on his radio brought a smile to my face to see him sing!!! He’s surely singing a tune now. God bless you guys..
So sorry to learn of your loss today. Pete was a wonderful friend to my parents and always willing to lend a hand to help a neighbour. May your special memories of husband and dad help you through this difficult time.
Susan Gover
So sorry to hear of Petes passing ,lots of stories come to mind. Bob Button
My deepest sympathy.Rest easy Pete.
Susan Myers
Peter Roses was my pop and I loved him so much and I now he loved me to. I miss you poppy I wish you were here with us today. Love Jayden