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BORN
1946
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Harry Ross Obituary
Harry was born in San Francisco, Calif., on July 9, 1946, to Jesse Lee Hicks and Paul Ross. Harry's family migrated to Alaska in 1957. He graduated from East Anchorage High School in 1964. He married his first wife, Robbie Jean Waters, and to this union one son was born, Marcellus Lee Ross. He did briefly return to San Francisco for college, studying engineering. He eventually quit college and returned to Alaska to work at The Alaska Railroad Corporation. Harry moved up the ranks quickly and became the first black Conductor. He remained employed at The Alaska Railroad for nearly 51 and retired in February 2019.
Harry's lifelong passions were singing R&B music, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, mentoring young people and spending time with family and friends.
Harry is survived by his loving wife, Janet Ross; his two sons, Marvelous Ross and James Ross; his grandsons, Paris Ross and Trayvon Ross; five great-grandchildren, Adonis, Alijah, Arize, Autumn and Ammanuel Ross; his sister, JudyAnn Young; his brother, Zachary Davis; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Harry was preceded in death by his mother, Jesse Lee Foster; his godparents, Al and Bertha Davis; his sister, Patricia Davis; and stepdaughter, Avia Herring.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, June 30, 2019, at 3 p.m., at Cuddy Family Midtown Park, 201 East 40th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99503. In lieu of flowers, please bring balloons for releasing during the ceremony.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harry Ross
Sponsored by Janet Ross.
Alice Thurm
June 22, 2023
You are greatly missed my friend!
Ivan Moraes
November 21, 2021
Muito sympaties. Ivan from Brazil
Michael Davis
October 7, 2021
Hello, My name is Michael Davis and you will surely be missed Harry Ross. you're an Amazing Conductor really miss seeing you on Alaska RailRoad
Dianna
October 1, 2020
I just heard that Mr. Harry passed away. Although late, my condolences to the family. I need to tell you how I met Mr. Harry.
One day I started watching the Alaska Railroad TV series. It told the story of a group of workers who faced extreme cold in treacherous terrain to keep the 800 kilometers of the Alaska state railway running during the winter. In one of the episodes, Harry appeared driving the train. Delighted by the natural beauty of Alaska, I promised myself that one day I would visit it. In 2017, I fulfilled my dream and made Anchorage-Seward by train, wondering if I would see someone from the series. I enjoyed Alaska so much that I came back in September 2018 and took the same train ride. This time I realized that the trip was much better than the previous year. I noticed that the conductor slowed down when the train was approaching interesting tourist points. So that we can take pictures with a certain comfort. Arriving in Seward I thought I should thank and congratulate the conductor for such a pleasant trip. At the ticket office at the station I received an explanation of how to speak to him and waited until he showed up. To my enormous surprise, after waiting a long time, I saw someone I had seen on TV. It was Mr. Harry Ross. Very anxious, I greeted him, congratulated him and thanked him for the excellent trip. So we talked about the TV series, his work, Brazil, where I live, and among other things he talked about his retirement. We talked a lot and then, of course, we took some pictures. It was worth the wait. So I said goodbye to a very kind being named Mr. Harry Ross and continued on my way to board the cruise ship to Vancouver with that amazing encounter in my mind. Thank you, Harry, for providing me with moments of immense happiness. I'll never that amazing meeting. RIP, extraordinary Harry.
Dianna
September 30, 2020
I just heard that Mr. Harry passed away. Although late, my condolences to the family. I need to tell you how I met Mr. Harry.
One day I started watching the Alaska Railroad TV series. It told the story of a group of workers who faced extreme cold in treacherous terrain to keep the 800 kilometers of the Alaska state railway running during the winter. In one of the episodes, Harry appeared driving the train. Delighted by the natural beauty of Alaska, I promised myself that one day I would visit it. In 2017, I fulfilled my dream and made Anchorage-Seward by train, wondering if I would see someone from the series. I enjoyed Alaska so much that I came back in September 2018 and took the same train ride. This time I realized that the trip was much better than the previous year. I noticed that the conductor slowed down when the train was approaching interesting tourist points. So that we can take pictures with a certain comfort. Arriving in Seward I thought I should thank and congratulate the conductor for such a pleasant trip. At the ticket office at the station I received an explanation of how to speak to him and waited until he showed up. To my enormous surprise, after waiting a long time, I saw someone I had seen on TV. It was Mr. Harry Ross. Very anxious, I greeted him, congratulated him and thanked him for the excellent trip. So we talked about the TV series, his work, Brazil, where I live, and among other things he talked about his retirement. We talked a lot and then, of course, we took some pictures. It was worth the wait. So I said goodbye to a very kind being named Mr. Harry Ross and continued on my way to board the cruise ship to Vancouver with that amazing encounter in my mind. Thank you, Harry, for providing me with moments of immense happiness. RIP, extraordinary Harry.
June 22, 2020
You had the warmest, most generous heart, you are missed my friend
Rozanne
August 7, 2019
I knew you from long ago, I remember meeting you dancing, Then I heard you sing. We were great friends and time moved us on. I'm sorry you are gone, I know you are greatly missed by us all.
Janet Ross
July 29, 2019
Babe I miss you so much. I miss your smile, your joking around, your support, conversations about our future. You are loved and you are missed. Seventeen years went by way too fast. I wish for 17 more!
Thresser Pennington
July 16, 2019
Sorry for your loss...
Eden Hummel
July 3, 2019
I knew Harry at Carrs-Huffman as a friend. He was always smiling and cheerful, very happy. It was a pleasure to see him there. It always made me smile. He invited me and my wife to hear him play music at a club. I'm sorry we coulden't make it.I still feel bad about it. He was bostful of his family and there accomplishments,he was a proud father and grammpa.I am so sorry for this familys loss. He was a kind and generious soul.Alaska just lost a National Treasure.
Dinah Burk
July 2, 2019
Rip,I remember Mr.Ross, bring from Nenana my Uncle would take me to Dunbar with aunt and two cousins.and going to Fairbanks or to Anchorage back in 68 and 80s.also would throw candy out by railroad bridge and every kid would go there to get candy such good memories thank you Mr. Ross Di Nenana
Mike & Noreen Folkerts
July 1, 2019
RIP Harry, we'll not forget you.
July 1, 2019
As you remember your love one, as God heals your broken hearts (Psalm 147:3), may your cherished memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength to endure.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Liz
Becky Eddy
July 1, 2019
RIP my friend. Always enjoyed our visits. Working on the railroad you made endless friends. Your happy joyous personality will always shine. Happy journey.
Becky Eddy
Michelle Williams
July 1, 2019
I just wanted you to know that even for the short time I got to meet you and Harry, it was one of the highlights of my life. May God forever keep you in His ever loving Comfort and Care. .
July 1, 2019
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the death of your dear love one may God give you strength to endure this most difficult time of your life please read John 6:40
S. Wood
July 1, 2019
I remember riding the RR and interacting a few times over the years with Harry. Always a smile, a good word and a lot of fun. Enjoy that final ride, Harry. You'll be seeing a lot of familiar faces.
Susan Rankin
June 30, 2019
My heartfelt condolences for you Janet and Aleena, Kevin and little James, and all of the family. I know you will all miss him!
Janet, Your Harry what a special man, a man who absolutely cherished you and your children. He not only married you, he took you all under his wing. He loved you all... Yes he was a conductor and a musician and he loved all of that, it was who he was... but you, he loved the most, his wife and those kids! You my dear had his heart, you completed him and he completed you! He was all about it, as it should be... that is what I know. He Loved you! When I saw you, I saw him and when I saw him, I saw you. Harry & Janet will always be who I see.
Through it all, the ups and downs of marriage, the dynamics of children, Avia's passing , the adoption of James and all the other life's challenges that we all face... you stood as a team! Everything and Anything... you got through it together! That is Love! That is a bond !
I have known you both from the beginning, how long now, about 18 years... what a ride... so many impressing memories! So many good memories! I wish I could replay.
I will miss Harry, so many great memories like Gumbo at New Years. Him showing up at our house to get food on Thanksgiving to take home, so funny or just stopping by in his convertible to see John and all the rehearsals and kabobs at BOTG, the time his pants split at BC... lol, the list goes on....however I mostly miss him for you and yours... because you will miss him the most, the most of anyone, because you two were one! You chose each other, everyday.
You were the love of his life! Trains, motorcycles and Congas, were an important part of his life, however you had his heart! Always know that and feel it everyday through our Creator, through prayer. He is always with you... on the other side.
Your friend always,
Suzi
Steve Welsh
June 30, 2019
HR and I worked on the ARR for many years and got to do the Sturgis Bike Rally together on our bikes twice. Once in 1997 and again last Summer. Great and fun guy to be around both at work and play. Miss ya ole buddy. RIP.
Bonnie Thayer
June 30, 2019
Rest In Peace Harry... What is lovely never dies, but passes into another loveliness, star-dust or sea-foam, flower or winged air. Thomas Bailey Aldrich
Carol Alexander
June 30, 2019
Sorry for your loss;prayers for the family and friends.
Mary Kulstad
June 29, 2019
Dear Janet, Harry was an amazing man, as you are an amazng wife. Harry adored you and your word express it all. I and my family were Blessed to have Harry touch our lifes. His integrity, care, smile , and laughter fills our souls. I have known Harry for 53 years, no matter how long or short between seeing each other his sincere friendship was felt. As you said Harry was and is our singing angel, dancing with the stars.
Our love and prayers are with you and the family, Mary and Mark Kulstad, The Elstad Famliy, and His Hotel Seward Family
Henry
June 29, 2019
My sincere condolences for your loss of Harry. May Almighty God keep watch over you during this sad time. Psalm 94:18,19
Teresa Pyles
June 29, 2019
It was a very long time ago when I last saw you. Always loved to watch and hear you sing. It was always fun when Marcellus sang with you. He was only three. Rest in peace Harry. Now you can sing with the angels.
Steven Love
June 28, 2019
I remember Harry when he would be conductor
on the many work trains and snow fleets that we worked together. He was great to be
with on these trips. RIP
My condolences to the Ross Family
Lisa Allegrucci
June 28, 2019
I am so sorry to hear this!! I will always remember your jokes and contagious laugh you had. You were one of my all time favorite patients!? Always made us staff laugh!! You will be missed!! Rest In Peace Mr. Ross!! (I know you hated when I called you that but you will always be Mr. Ross to me)
Alaskaland train 10 yrs ago,Hoppy was engineer for decades after ARR Retirement.
Ken Covell
June 28, 2019
Harry was the conductor on my first paid day as a brakeman.
First we were called for a yard.Then pulled off to dogcatch a Seward freight. then sent on a Palmer turn!
12 hrs , 336 yard miles of pay! $300+, Quite a single day pay day esp in 1975.
On an ordinary 8 hr yard I would have had no clue as to what was going on, but with all that whirlwind.....
Harry kept me on track and I learned lots of stuff and he made sure I didn't get hurt.
Jim Starub I Think was Engineer.
If I could find my time book, I could tell you.
Don't think I ever got to work much with him after that, I went to Seward for the winter and North after that.
But he always had a smile and a wave. Fun guy.
RIP
Condolences to the Ross Family
Ken Covell
Fairbanks
Nick Covell sends regards also
Keith White
June 28, 2019
Harry always had a smile for you. Just made the day go better.
Kareen Hills
June 28, 2019
I was blessed that you were in my life while I worked at the Alaska Railroad. I have many wonderful memories from that time. Rest in peace Harry. It's nice to know that we all have another angel smiling down on us and watching over us.
Crystal Bostwick
June 27, 2019
Uncle Harry you will be dearly missed by the kids watching for the train and train whistle! You were the magic on stage for the Diamonds! A dear friend and will be dearly missed!
Love the Bostwick family
Al Grubbs
June 27, 2019
I met Ross in the summer of 1980. He was the Conductor on a train that took me to my first job site Curry, on the Alaska Railbelt. Very helpful and a nice person. RIP.
Julius (Popcorn) Cooper
June 27, 2019
Rest in peace Harry, a good friend, a good vocalist, a great percussionist, a really great individual. You will be missed!
Gloria Cooks
June 27, 2019
JANET YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES...I LOVE AND MISS HARRY SO VERY MUCH...HE WILL BE MOST TRULY MISSED ... NO MORE PHONE CALLS...HIS PRESENCE IS GONE BUT HE WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN...I WILL ALWAYS HOLD HIM CLOSE TO MY HEART...COUSIN GLORIA
Wanda Rouzan
June 27, 2019
Rest In Peace.
Tammy Hines
June 27, 2019
RIP Uncle Harry
Love always
Good Times
Tony Phillips
June 27, 2019
Will be missed greatly by all whom you touched, thanks for the years of friendship and times in Vegas. You will be missed Mr.Harry
Alice Thurm (Naranjo)
June 27, 2019
My condolences to all of the family. Harry, you were a good friend for many years. You always gave me good advice and watched out for me back in the day. Good times were had by all! Thanks for the memories. I know heaven is rockin'.
Love you friend.
Brenda Harrison
June 27, 2019
Much love he will be missed by all.
Janet Ross
June 27, 2019
My handsome, funny, husband so full of joy, giving, and life is now with his ancestors and loved ones in Heaven. He is adjusting to his new reality of life in the spirit as we adjust to not seeing him in the flesh. Harry would want us to move forward in a giving and loving manner; standing strong for those who are weak. I will always remember his kindness to others; his deep desire to bring joy and relieve suffering; his keeping of his principals even when it was difficult to do so.
He so enjoyed his family, his Harley Davidson, entertaining and singing with the band, and mentoring. He always had something positive to say and a way of bringing smiles to most people.
Harry thank you for blessing me with your love, humor, and strength!
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