H. David ROSS

1933 - 2021

H. DAVID ROSS June 29, 1933 - October 12, 2021 Born in Ottawa, Dad lived in Ottawa, Montreal, and latterly in Toronto and Port Hope. He died on October 12, 2021 at the age of 88. He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Constance Jean Ross and by his sister Beverly Guy, and is survived by his younger brother, Nick Ross. Dad was a descendent of Ross settlers in the Margaree Valley of Cape Breton and McLaughlin UEL's of St. John, New Brunswick. Dad was educated at Upper Canada College and at Trinity College at the University of Toronto. He was a 38 year veteran of Wood Gundy and CIBC Capital Markets from which he retired as a Director and Vice President in 1993. On his retirement he said he would focus on his lifetime passions of faith, family and friends, which he did with alacrity! He was a very happy man, totally filled with the joy of living. He leaves his best friend and love of his life for 62 years, his wife Catharine, and his adoring children; David (Liz), Sheila (Mustafa) and John (Caroline), his wonderful grandchildren Taylor (Kathryn), Douglas and Ashley, and his endearing great-grandchild, Beckett. He loved them all. Dad was the most gracious, giving, caring, supportive husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, neighbour, coworker and gentleman you could imagine. He was an exemplary role model and mentor to many, nurturing a special bond with each relationship that he built. Dad worked hard to ensure each bond he forged was both impactful and long lasting. His hugs were the best and the twinkle in his eye was totally entrancing. He always had time to listen, to encourage and to provide guidance on life's hard decisions. He was a fun, caring, and nurturing father, grandfather and husband, and the most wonderful friend to so many. We remember him as a gentle giant and a constant, positive presence in all of our lives, and we will miss him dearly. Dad was an organization man and did he ever do it well! His friends and family will remember Thursday golf at the Toronto Golf Club, semi-annual lunches for Wood Gundy colleagues and Tuesday lunches for his Canadian friends in Naples, Florida, where, for 27 years, he and Mom spent their winters. Dad was a sportsman and enjoyed golfing, tennis and long distance biking. A lifelong churchgoer, he was twice a warden at his church. He was deeply involved in giving back, giving his time to many charitable and philanthropic causes. He led the first door-to-door heart fund campaign in Ottawa where he and his young family lived in the 1960's. For 15 years he was a Habitat for Humanity volunteer in Florida. He also established and headed the Kids for Peace program in Canada and served on the North American committee of St. Georges College in Jerusalem for 10 years during his retirement. Mom and Dad had the great fortune to travel the world on business and for pleasure. Visitations on Wednesday, November 3 and Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Morley Bedford Funeral Home from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Please be aware that there is limited space. The family requests only double vaccinated guests attend and please wear a mask. A funeral service will be held at Grace Church on-the-Hill. It will be by invitation only, as there are restricted numbers due to Covid. For those who wish to witness the ceremony online, a live stream of will start at 10:45 a.m., November 6, 2021. Please log onto gracechurchonthehill.ca/hdavidross to view. Dad's ashes are to be buried in the family plot in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. In his memory, donations can be directed to Habitat for Humanity.