Obituary of John Shaw Ross

The family of John Shaw Ross is heartbroken to announce his passing on September 7, 2024 in his 82nd year at St. Lawrence Lodge, Brockville

John Shaw Ross was born in Clinton, Ontario on November 8, 1942 to Sarah Agnes "Pearl" Ross (nee Chrittenden) and Gordon Ritchie Ross.

"John Shaw" as he was known by his family, lived in Clinton, Ontario until the family relocated to 2 Wright Crescent in Brockville, Ontario in 1949.  John attended Prince of Wales Public School and later Brockville Collegiate Vocational School (later known as BCI).  John was an early entrepreneur having many paper routes throughout the City purportedly having over 200 papers at any one time for delivery all while walking (up hills and in driving snow) !  After his graduation, John worked at Canadian Tire, Brockville, Texaco station and Automatic Electric before finally landing at Black & Decker where he worked from 1969 until his retirement in 1998.  John then worked for Invista Canada in his post retirement keeping him busy and out of Carole's hair at home !  

July 2, 1966 John married the love of his life, his beautiful red haired girl, Carole Joan (nee Payne), who sadly predeceased him December 11, 2022.  Together, they had three bundles of joy or pain, depending on the day:  Kristen Dana (Rob), Darren Gordon (Donna) and Brooke Lesley (Paul).  

In December, 1972, John and Carole moved their very young family from Salisbury Avenue in Brockville to the greatest village in all of Leeds and Grenville:  North Augusta, where they resided until April, 2022.  John, being quite naturally congenial and happy-go-lucky , became a well known figure in the village over the years, known by all as "Rossco" as he always had a quick smile, engaging laughter or genuine kindness to all he met which led to many lifelong friendships.  

John was an extremely proud member of the Augusta Fire Department for 22 years, holding the posting of Treasurer for 10 of those years.  His love of community, neighbours and kindness towards anyone provided the perfect backdrop to allowing him to serve in this capacity for so long.  He spoke often of his continued pride in the Department, the men and women who volunteered and served and specifically their dedication to their community.  Although long since retired from active service, John & Carole were honoured and so proud to attend the annual Fire Department Christmas party, John still serving as an Honorary Member.

John was, at his core, a full time family man.  His devotion to his wife and his children were the absolute soul of his life.  There were, however,  two other "lesser" true loves in his life - one being his love of his hunting cabin in Pembroke, Ontario where for a week a year over his birthday, he could "relax" in the woods with his son Darren and the "Pembroke gang" all of whom became lifelong friends if not family.  The other love - his banjo.  Unknown to many, John never had formal training in any musical instruments, learning simply by ear, whether it be piano, ukulele or his beloved banjo.  Most friends of his know of his love of playing and entertaining everyone.  Many campsites while his kids were young would be filled with John singing and entertaining before they went to sleep.  

We will be lost without him.  He is our final link to our childhood and was the best father in the world.  He taught us all that family comes first. Hard work is the only way to work, honesty is a currency in life, kindness and understanding make you a better human and that the Ross name has value just like any other.  His daughter's were raised to believe they could do anything the "boys" could do and his son learned how to properly respect women and their valuable place in this world long before it became a catchphrase.  "There will never be anyone quite like you Daddy, go be with the love of your life..... Mom, she has missed you so."

John Shaw is survived by his children and their spouses, nine grandchildren, Taylor, Jessica, Curtis, Meg, Aryn, Spencer, Zach, Sam and Ben, two great grandchildren, Jack and Brooks.  Sister's and brother's in law, Valerie & Jerry Eligh and Jennifer & Don Oddie as well as many nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Carole and by his brothers, Edward (Ted), Donald (Ding) and his baby sister, Mary Anne.  

At John's request, there will no public service, however donations in his memory to the Diabetes Canada would be greatly appreciated by the family.