David C. Ross

David Cameron Ross � of Tarpon Springs, FL Passed away Friday September 12th after a remarkably courageous battle with cancer. Dave was born sixty years ago in Toronto, Canada. His parents had immigrated to Canada from England to escape the ravages of war torn Europe. The early 1960�s brought the family to America, where they settled in San Diego. Although a Canadian citizen by birth, Dave proudly served in the United States Army as Chief Warrant Officer, and a member of the 134TH Assault Helicopter Company. As a 21 year-old Army helicopter pilot based at Cam Rahm Bay Vietnam, Dave distinguished himself with over 350 combat missions with the call sign �Demon 85�. His service to his adopted country earned him several awards including the Bronze Star � twice, along with the Air Medal, republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Army Aviator Badge. Upon the end of his tour of duty in Vietnam, Dave entered San Diego State University where he obtained his degree in Finance. Dave then followed that with a Master�s degree in Marketing from National University in San Diego. Dave then entered the �civilian� work place by first going to work for an insurance company while still in San Diego � and where he met his wife of 26 years, Kris! Dave and Kris began their lives together as they moved to Denver where Dave embarked on a career in the emerging cable industry with then American Television Communications. After several years working in the financial department of American Television Communications which later became Time Warner, Dave was offered to relocate to Florida where he continued to excel in his career only now in the operational side of Time Warner Cable. Over the years as the cable industry advanced, so did Dave�s responsibilities and his assignments. Dave�s career took him up the ranks and culminated in becoming the Senior Vice President of Operations for Bright House Networks, Tampa Division. Dave was instrumental in the success and milestones achieved by what is now the 6th largest cable operator in the nation - Bright House Networks. Dave was at the leading edge of the development of digital cable, high definition television, the phenomenal success of Road Runner high-speed internet service and more recently, digital home phone service. Dave had that rare ability to challenge and bring out the best in everyone from employees to peers alike. His efforts at doing the best for others did not end at the office; Dave was passionate about Junior Achievement and American Diabetes Association. In all that Dave Ross accomplished in life, nothing was as important to him as him being a husband and father first. Dave was named the Tampa Florida �Father of the Year 2005� by the American Diabetes Association. Dave is survived by his wife Kris, children, Steve of Miami and Allison of Denver, his mother Dorothy Ross of Clearwater and two sisters, Susan Cantlon of East Lansing Michigan and Cameron Ross of Spring Brook, Wisconsin. Along with a long list of friends and admirers at Bright House Networks. A memorial service will be held Friday September 19, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at Heritage United Methodist Church located at 2680 Landmark Dr. in Clearwater. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest a contribution to the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast.