Herbert ROSS

ROSS, Herbert (Bert) Aged 81, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, December 16, 2017 in the Intensive Care Unit at Southlake Regional Hospital after treatment for pneumonia and complications from myasthenia. Bert will be missed by his wife of 54 years, Glenna, his son Peter Cos (Sorina) and grandchildren Taylor, Jessica and Maya, sisters-in-law Diane Charman (Gary) and Sharron (John), brother Al (Nan), their sons Jeff (Lucy) and Dave (Deborah), Aunt Norma, Aunt Kay, many nieces and nephews of Glenna's, as well as the Ross cousins in British Columbia and others in Belleville and many friends. Predeceased by his parents Leighton and Edith (Wiseman) Ross, Uncle Ross McNaught and son John Ross, Uncle John, niece Lorenne and brothers-in-law Tom Rick, Steve and David Gray. Born in Belleville, ON, resident of Sharon, ON, since 1968, Bert spent many years as a high school teacher after graduating from the University of Toronto with an Honours Degree in Canadian History. Bert's passion for nature led him to spend his free time canoeing, hiking, birding, skiing and doing photography. He saw the Divine in nature. His care for all people, but in particular the underprivileged, led him to a lifelong volunteer commitment to social services for children, the probation and parole board and soup kitchens. He and Glenna were enthusiastic supporters of the arts. "…I'd like somebody to mention that day that Bert Ross tried to give his life serving others. I'd like for somebody to say that day that Bert Ross tried to love somebody. I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war question. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. And I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity. Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness…" From Martin Luther King Jr. The Drum Major Instinct Speech As John Spong has said, Bert lived fully, loved wastefully, close to the ground of our being. Thanks to Dr. Sam Henein for many years of compassionate care, Dr. Vera Bril and staff at Toronto General. Special thanks to the understanding of Dr. Nathanson and the wonderful nursing staff in the Southlake Intensive Care Unit as well as Dr. Nikon and the Respiratory Team. And thanks to Lyn, his Personal Care Worker. Donations in Bert's name should be directed to Yonge Street Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, to Amnesty International or to the charity of your choice. A Memorial Service for Bert will take place at a later date at the Yonge Street (Quaker) Meetinghouse in Newmarket.