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Ross H. Wilby

1935 - 2023

Ross H. Wilby obituary, 1935-2023, Mississauga, ON

BORN

1935

DIED

2023

Ross Wilby Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father and grandfather on March 3, 2023 after a brief illness. Ross was born in Montreal on February 3, 1935, the son of the late Hilton and Muriel Wilby. He grew up in Washington, DC (during his father's wartime posting there), and in Hamilton, ON, before attending Queen's University from which he graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. While in Kingston he met and married Gwen, and they settled in Burlington to raise their family. Ross worked for a few years in Human Resources at Stelco in Hamilton, and then joined rival steel company Dofasco, where he had a long career in the Personnel department, eventually heading up the Human Resource function for the company's office employees. After early retirement he was able to enjoy more time playing golf, bridge and pursuing his passion for collecting vintage jazz and hot dance records from the 1920s. He contributed to numerous reissues of traditional jazz on LP and CD by allowing access to his extensive collection, and also through writing scholarly essays and liner notes about the artists and the music.

From childhood until well after retirement, Ross loved spending time at the family cottage at Cedar Springs, north of Burlington. It was there that he passed on his love for golf to his three sons.

Ross is survived by the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Gwen (Hagerman); sons John, Toronto; David, Kingston; Bruce (Kathy), Mississauga; 3 grandchildren (Andrew, Emma and Josh); and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he is predeceased by his brother Garth (Michelle), Toronto.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to a Charity of Your Choice would be appreciated. There will be no funeral or visitation. The family wishes to thank the staff of Joseph Brant Hospital (Burlington), LaSalle Park Retirement Community (Burlington), Home Instead - Halton and Sunrise of Mississauga for their extraordinary support during Ross' illness.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Hamilton Spectator on Mar. 6, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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8 Entries

Judith Dinsdale Barrie, Ontario

January 15, 2024

Hi Gwen and boys. I am recuperating from a fall at Roberta house near Chris. I was just reading some lovely cards you sent when Sid passed away. I have such wonderful memories of fun at Cedar Springs
Thinking of you
Judy Dinsdale

Karen ( nee Lambo) Choronzey

May 12, 2023

I was so saddened to hear belatedly of the passing of Ross. I worked for Ross for many years at Dofasco. He was integral inn forming my HR career. I remember Ross so loved Gwen and his family, bridge, baseball, Chinese food and "record junkets" with John. We shared a love of music and he helped me curate a wonderful little collection of 1920 hot jazz. Ross was full of integrity, a true professional. Never forgotten Ross. Thank you.

Lynn Howarth

March 9, 2023

I am deeply saddened to have just heard of Ross´s death. He was a kind and caring friend. He was supportive in many ways to me and I will cherish his fatherly advice, visits and support. He shared many words of wisdom that helped me through some very difficult times and for that i am so very grateful. I would like to extend my love to Gwen at this time of deep sorrow as well. I miss them both.

Bill Mulveney

March 7, 2023

Ross was a good friend since high school and work at Dofasco. So many memories of enjoying bridge and golf with Ross and Gwen. My condolences to Gwen and your family at this sad time.
Bill Mulveney

Christopher Ferreira - Toronto 78 Spinners

March 7, 2023

I am sorry to hear this sad news. I met Ross through our shared interest in collecting records. Despite the difference in our ages and my lack of knowledge and experience in our hobby, my interactions with Ross were always marked by the quiet assurance of his words and a projection of respect he had for my opinion. This meant a great deal to me. In my experience Ross was a kind and thoughtful person. He will be very much missed. My thoughts and good wishes go out to John, Gwen and his entre family. I hope that happy and joyful memories soon replace the feelings of sadness and loss you must all be experiencing.

Doreen Miller

March 6, 2023

So very saddened to learn that Ross has passed away. He was very well liked as well as being highly respected by my late husband Keith and me.
My condolences to Gwen and family. He was a lovely man.

Doreen Miller

Barb Townes (Lucas-Kinach)

March 6, 2023

I worked for Ross for many years in Personnel in the Hassel Centre and then we moved to the Main Office - many memories of a very fair man to work for. My condolences to the family.

BRIAN MULLEN

March 6, 2023

A true gentleman. Ross's guidance and support were always appreciated and valued while we worked together in Personnel/Human Resources at Dofasco. Always the consummate professional. RIP

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