April 27, 1931 - November 18, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
We regret to announce the passing of Dr. John Rodrick Hooker Ross of Campbell River, B.C.
Husband of 69 years to Irene (nee McCallum), father to Rebecca, Bill, Rachel, Nigel and John, Grandpa to Brandon, Taylor, Sophia, James, Chloe, Liam, Brittany, Eliza and Oliver, Father in law to Hope, Mike and Peter, Brother in law to Marie and caring Uncle to Susan, Jennifer, Wendy and Christine.
John was born in Winnipeg to Marion and Rod Ross. After the first world war the family of 5 (Rod, Marion, John and his siblings Frank and Bill) moved to a rural homestead in Surrey, BC, where they established a mink farm and nurtured a beautiful garden.
John's mother was a proponent of education and John and his brothers all went to university; Bill earned a PHD in Physics, Frank a Masters in Chemistry and John became a Physician. While commuting to UBC John met Irene; the friendship developed into love and the two married in 1955.
John did his medical internship in Dover, England and Glasgow, Scotland. While overseas he and Irene toured the British Isles and the continent, visiting Spain, France, Italy and Switzerland. It was here that they established their love of walking in the mountains, a passion that they enjoyed until their late 70's.
After returning from Europe John, Irene and their newborn moved to Campbell River to work in a clinic with Dr. Richard Murphy and Dr. Allan Hancock. Over his long career John saved many lives and delivered over 1600 babies. After retiring from General Practice John assisted in the Surgery until he was 81 years old. He further contributed to his community by mentoring those recovering from substance addiction, many of whom became his close friends.
John's family life was rich with adventure. He, Irene and their five children skied, hiked, boated, fished and foraged extensively in the beautiful areas surrounding Campbell River. Further afield, John volunteered with the Peace Corp in the 1970's and spent 2 months each on the Caribbean islands of St. Lucia and St. Cristopher.
John and Irene travelled frequently with friends and on their own, visiting South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Russia, and Asia as well as returning to Britain and venturing to the Mediterranean where they visited Morocco, Greece and Egypt.
John was a story teller, gardener, philosopher, adventurer, loyal husband, father, and doting grandfather. He died at home, as was his wish, surrounded by friends, his loving wife, his children, many grandchildren and extended family. His passing has left a hole in all our hearts.