Gordon A. Ross

Gordon Arthur Ross, 85, of Beverly Hills, Michigan, passed away on September 21, 2025. He was born on October 24, 1939, in Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire, England, the eldest of three sons. In his childhood, he spent countless hours on his grandfather's farm in Waltham-on-the-Wolds, developing a lifelong love of tractors that would shape his career and his life's work.

A graduate of Oxford University with a degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Gordon began his career with Ford Tractors in the United Kingdom. In the late 1960s, he traveled extensively throughout Latin America as part of Ford's Developing Nation Tractors program, working with farmers to improve agricultural practices. During this time in the Dominican Republic, he met the love of his life, Maria Genoveva. They married and built a life together in the United States, eventually settling in Metro Detroit, where they raised their five children.

Gordon went on to serve at Ford Tractor Headquarters in Troy, Michigan, for more than 20 years, where he became one of the first engineers to work with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) in the early 1980s. In 1989, he transferred to New Holland, Pennsylvania, before returning to Michigan in 1992 to work for Ford Automotive. He retired in 2006 after 45 years of dedicated service to the Ford Motor Company.

Outside of his career, Gordon was a man of many passions. As a young man, he built his own electrical organ and later constructed a whole organ from a kit in the 1970s. Music filled his life - he enjoyed playing the piano and organ and even dancing merengue. A skilled handyman, he loved tackling projects around the house and was known for his fascination with trains. His children fondly remember him fixing, building, and teaching, always encouraging them to learn by doing.

Gordon's life was defined by devotion - to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He consistently put family first, offering his quiet strength, guidance, and support. His six grandchildren - Zoe, Nathan, Preston, Isabella, Kalvin, and Simon - brought him great joy, and they will never forget the love and kindness he shared.

He was a very traditional English gentleman, a man of faith whose spirit of kindness guided those around him. He was the most altruistic man many we ever knew, setting a standard for generosity and devotion.

Gordon is survived by his beloved wife, Maria G. Ross; their children, Peter, Lisa, Eva, Steven, and Michael; his six grandchildren; and his brothers, Leonard and Richard, of the United Kingdom. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother - a man whose love and example will continue to inspire his family.

A Funeral Mass will take place to celebrate Gordon's life on Friday, September 26, at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, 32340 Pierce St., Beverly Hills, 48025, at 10am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 9:30am.

Gordon's Funeral Mass was recorded and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/hBqyVCseogo