William Roderick Ross
March 5th, 2019
Bill was a man who loved his life and the people with whom he shared it. He quietly and courageously battled cancer for over 15 years until he passed away at home on March 5th at age 70. Born and raised in Vancouver BC, Bill will be deeply missed by his life partner Kathy, his children Troy, Devin, Christy and Kenny, his daughter-in-law Moira, grandchildren Hunter, Brooklyn and Kaiden, his nieces and nephew and all of his extended family. Bill follows his beloved parents Anne and Ossie and his brother John who passed before him.
Bill devoted his life to the service of others, to our country and to his beloved family. He enjoyed a long and distinguished career within the Federal Public Service, followed by giving back to his community in his retirement years through coaching and leadership of local soccer clubs. He also served on the Southpointe Board of Governors as well as the Probus executive for Tsawwassen among other volunteer roles.
His friends and colleagues knew him as a man of character, integrity and respect. He believed strongly that you are only as good as the people you surround yourself with and the importance of treating them well. Bill always acknowledged the contributions of the people in his life and those around him could rest assured that he would be there for them, in good times and bad, knowing he asked nothing more than friendship in return.
Bill was also known for saying what he meant, asking the tough questions, and providing solid advice no matter who asked. You always knew where you stood with Bill because of his genuine nature and he was well respected for his candor and caring. His brilliance and leadership skills instilled confidence and a quick and lighthearted wit put people at ease.
Bill left an indelible impression on all he met. He worked hard and played hard, with both enthusiasm and commitment, never one to bemoan life’s challenges, but always accepting the simple pleasures and enjoying the moment. He loved travel, history, politics, soccer and sharing a drink with friends. His humor, ability to laugh at himself and storytelling -- no matter how many times he may have told the same story -- always made for a good time.
Bill will be greatly missed by the many lives he touched.
Celebration of Life
Tuesday April 30, 2-4 pm followed by a reception 4-5pm
South Delta Baptist Church, 1988 56 St, Delta, BC V4L 2B1
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
My sincerest condolences to the family, I grew up with Bill and his family through high school and college. They were very good friends to me and I will always cherish the many, many good memories of growing up with Bill, He will be very much missed..
Our sincere condolences Kathy, Kenny and family. We attended the celebration of life this past week, and we were honored to share in celebrating the life of this wonderful man. We have many happy memories from lacrosse tournaments, score keeping and soccer games in our Tsawwassen community. Bill was always the first to lend a hand to support the team and it was always a pleasure to see him and catch up on the sports field or at the arena. Our thoughts are with you at this time. We hope the many happy memories give some comfort at this most difficult time. With love, The Greig family.
Kathy and Ross, my heart is heavy for your loss. Bill’s love for you and his family was evident in the way he spoke about you. I had the great privilege to work with him at Southpointe and understand what a truly kind man he was. We were grateful to have him on our side when the going got tough. Bill will forever be an important influence on me. Love to you all, Cindy
Bill was my neighbour "across the back lane", my school mate and a genuinely decent human being. Many years were spent playing with Bill and John, although I could never compete with Bill at his level of soccer skill. Throughout our life's journey, we would periodically reconnect to share a beverage and get an update on each lives. Always upbeat and optimistic, it truly was a pleasure to spend time with my old friend, he will be dearly missed by all those he touched with his compassion and joy of life. Til we meet again.
Kathy and Kenny, I am very sadden by the news of Bill passing. While I have not kept in touch with Bill the last 5 years (which is a shame), I’ve always considered Bill a friend. He was a wonderful person to be around. My sincere condolences to you, and Bill’s entire family.
We knew Bill through Probus and delighted in his sense of humour, but also his commitment to community and country. Enjoyed lively debates with Bill at Probus events and his knowledge and experiences with senior levels of government. We miss his wise counsel at Probus.
Please accept my sincere condolences Kathy, Kenny and family. Words cannot describe what I feel for your loss.
Kathy, Throughout my years as a government employee, I respected Bill as a strong leader with a heart and sense of humour. You were a great couple together. With sadness for you and your family at this time of loss. Sincerely, Irena
Kathy, Kenny, and family, so sorry to hear about Bill and my deepest condolences to all of you. He was a great leader, and it was a privilege to work with him. Take care.
Kathy and family please accept my most sincere condolences on Bill's passing. Bill was a wonderful friend and colleague at work and play. We shared many great times and memories and I will always cherish our times together.
A class act, and the best neighbour. My memories- funny, smart, caring, and engaging. We could use a few more Bills in this world...
I had great respect for Bill at work, as did my late father Harry, and I enjoyed his down to earth sense of humour when we played together on the office softball team. My deepest condolences to all the family.
Bill was one of those individuals one is compelled to like, listen to and strive to be better for. I was privileged to work with and for Bill. My condolences to Kathy and Bill’s family.
Please accept my most sincere condolences on Bill's passing. Both Bill and John were neighbours accross the lane in the Killarney area.
There is a single rose, the first of Spring, to have bloomed in our garden. I think it is you, Bill. All of us in the Morrison family have been deeply touched by the beauty and love of your friendship over the years. I witnessed your fierce devotion to raising your last child, and I knew this was a man who loved his grown children because you spoke with such happiness about all of them. But you also loved my children, and the children who grew up with Kenny, and the children who played soccer on your teams, and the children who looked to you for fatherly advice, and the children who benefited from your involvement on the Southpointe Board. You touched the future. Kathy, my dear friend, I am here for you as we look to our future without Bill in our lives. There is a strange silence without his voice in the air. I cherish the rose in my garden. I cherish you. Love always, Reva
To Kathy and the entire family, I was very sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. Sending condolences to you in your time of loss.
Kathy and all the family, Most sincere condolences on the passing of Bill...…...always a good man and friend-----and a bloody good right back ! The quaich will be used to join in the celebration of his life from afar. Very best, Terry
My sincere condolences to you Cathy and all Bill's family. Bill and I went through a lot together and I remember him fondly.