Ronald James Ross

In Loving Memory of Ronald James Ross

Passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the age of 91, after a courageous year and a half battle with pancreatic cancer, He faced his illness with the same bravery and quiet resilience that defined his entire life.

He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Lois, and her daughter Jacqueline (Bryce), He was a dedicated father to Richard (Sandy), Russell (Bev), Raymond, Patricia, Robert, and Caroline (Craig) Ross-Gleason, and stepfather to Trina (Mike), Dawn Marie (Brian), and Gary. He was predeceased by his oldest son and namesake, Ron, who passed away after a brave 8-year battle with colon cancer. He was also predeceased by his parents and all of his siblings. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy as a proud grandfather to 23 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

A salesman by trade, Ronald spent his life connecting with people, but at heart, he was a true homebody who possessed a remarkable mechanical aptitude and a passion for renovating and flipping homes. He could fix absolutely anything. Though he was an emotional man who often kept his feelings hidden, his love was spoken through his actions and his music. When hard times hit early on and his first wife became ill, leaving him with seven young children under the age of 10 at just 30 years old, he chose to stay and fight for his family. He kept his children together, providing a foundation of loyalty that shaped their lives forever.

Music was a constant thread throughout his life. He played the guitar and piano, and he loved to sing the classics, especially Frank Sinatra. He used his voice to sing his children to sleep on many nights, and he shared that musical spirit with the whole community. Every Christmas Eve, he would play and lead sing-alongs for all the neighborhood children gathered at the house, filling the room with Christmas songs and getting everyone to sing along together.Outside of his family and his music, he was an avid sports fan. He played golf, tennis and hockey throughout his youth and carried that passion through his entire life, never missing a chance to cheer on his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Our childhood was filled with wonderful summer days camping and renting cottages, a dream they later fulfilled by buying their own cottage. Those summers created countless joyful memories that we will always treasure. He was happiest by the water, waiting for a bite with a fishing rod in hand.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Basic Funerals and Cremation Choices in Mississauga. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no formal funeral service; a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite cancer charity.

His legacy of strength, resilience, and joyful song lives on in his loving family.