It is with heavy hearts, full of good memories, that we announce the passing of Alexander Ross MacDougall, known to everyone simply as Ross, on August 5, 2026, at the age of 86.

Ross was born in Mimico, Toronto, settled in North York with his family, and lived his entire life in the city he loved. He spent his working years as the owner and operator of his own transport truck, building a career on the same independence and grit that defined the way he lived.

Off the clock, Ross was deeply creative. He dreamed of becoming an actor, had a natural flair for performance, and wrote poetry that revealed the sensitivity beneath his somewhat stoic exterior. Music was another lifelong love. With an incredible ear and near-perfect pitch, he crooned his way through thousands of miles on the road, singing early rock ’n’ roll, country classics, and the oldies. Among all the music he loved, Elvis held a special place entirely his own. Though he rarely shared his remarkable singing voice beyond those closest to him, anyone lucky enough to hear it knew just how talented he was.

Yet for all his talents and passions, nothing brought Ross greater happiness than his family. He loved being present in the lives of his children and grandchildren, not simply as a spectator but as one of their most devoted supporters. Ross and his beloved wife, Annette, were their family’s greatest cheerleaders. Hand in hand, they attended every competition, celebration, game, and performance they possibly could, sometimes making it to two separate events in two different cities on the same day. Wherever their family was, Ross and Annette wanted to be there.

Ross found plenty of happiness in the simpler pleasures too: a day on the golf course, an afternoon fishing with his friends and family, or simply gathering for a barbecue in one of his kid’s backyards. A lifelong Chicago Blackhawks fan, his loyalty never wavered, though he tolerated the Toronto Maple Leafs with good humour. He spent countless happy hours watching, playing, and coaching hockey, especially his children’s and grandchildren’s games. He read the sports section of the newspaper every day, keeping his finger on the pulse of every up-and-coming player. A passionate coach in his younger years, he later found great joy in watching his sons become coaches themselves, remaining close to the game through them and always ready with encouragement, insight, and more than an opinion or two.

More than anything Ross ever did, he will be remembered for who he was: a playful, loyal, and dependable man who loved sending his family on treasure hunts. Ross was “that person”, someone people simply wanted to be around. He had a way of making a room warmer just by being in it, and the enduring love of his family and friends was the truest measure of his life.

Annette remembers so many moments from their life together, but some of the ones that still bring a smile are the memories of the backyard Ross created for their family. Every winter, he flooded the yard and built a skating rink where their children and the neighbourhood kids could gather to skate and play hockey. Then, one summer when the kids were still small, he built an above-ground pool that became a summertime favourite for their children and countless neighbourhood kids for the next twelve years. Season after season, Ross had a way of turning their backyard into a place where kids gathered, played, and made memories, a reflection of the generous and playful spirit he brought to family life.

Ross will be forever missed by his beloved wife, Annette; their four children, Clay, Todd, Kevin, and Tracy; his six grandchildren, Chloe, Chelsea, Riley, Brooklyn, Calista, and Chase; and his daughters-in-law, Lyn, Paula, and Cindy. One thing was unmistakably clear every day of Ross’s life: his wife and family were his greatest source of joy, love, and pride. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered, always.

1. A GIFT
2. by Ross MacDougall
3. 
   
4. Memories flashing with the brightness of light
5. Through our minds eye we see
6. Our life as it was many years ago
7. Exactly, as it used to be
8. Detailed accounts we have stored away
9. To recall in the blink of an eye
10. Pictures and places that have long disappeared
11. We remember and don't know why
12. We can walk through the town where we were born
13. Or swim in the old swimming hole
14. Just close our eyes and there we see
15. Stories, that were never told
16. The memories that we hold dear
17. Are only ours to see
18. A picture file of our life
19. God's gift to you and me
20. 
    

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and a reception from 4-7pm at St. John's Dixie Cemetery and Crematorium,where family and friends are welcome to gather and share in celebrating Ross' life.