John Meredith Ross

John Meredith Ross

1933 - 2025 

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of John Meredith Ross of Sarnia, Ontario on February 20th, 2025. John passed away peacefully at the age of 91. 

John was known as a very gentle and kind soul, heartily devoted to his family, and dearly loved by his wife of 70 years, Gwen Ross and his children Doug, Bronwen, Chris (Patti) and Tim Ross. He was the cherished grandfather of Christine Hartman-Wilson (Jeff), Carolyn Hartman, Holly Gibson (Jason), Kendel Ross (Mike) and Taylor Ross. John was pre-deceased by his son Doug Ross and sisters Beth (Gord) Parker, Bronwen (Dave) Kelley and Diane (Owen) Forsythe. 

John was born on July 15th, 1933, to Jack Ross and Isabel (nee McCarty) Mathieson in Sarnia, Ontario. 

Of humble beginnings, John would share stories of food scarcity during World War II and laugh about the concoctions his mother would derive from what was available. After losing his father young, John recalled memories of his stepfather, Cecil Mathieson, fondly. John’s first job was delivering milk in the early morning before school by horse and carriage. He graduated from Central Collegiate in 1950 and then he rode the city bus every day to work at Polysar for 40 years before his retirement in 1990. 

In 1953, John met Gwen, the love of his life, at a local hall where all the women threw their shoes into a pile for the men to select at random for a dance. John and Gwen went on to have four children together. John was a loyal and loving husband and father. John enjoyed his time with the local Optimist Club, helping to fundraise for local playgrounds, and singing in various local choirs while also keeping active as an avid walker and golfer. 

John was an enthusiastic supporter of his grandchildren in their various activities, he loved spending time with all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John took pleasure in bird watching, listening to music, completing crosswords, watching nature shows and cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs, as a die-hard fan. 

John was able to live out his life at home with the help of his best friend and son, Tim Ross. Our family is ever so grateful to Tim and the supports in John’s final days. We will dearly miss John’s presence in our lives but will be forever grateful for our time with him. 

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St Joseph’s Hospice https://www.stjosephshospice.ca/make-a-difference/donate or the Cancer Society, https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/in-memory-and-in-honour-donations organizations John felt strongly about. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre Ltd. (102 Victoria Street, North, Sarnia, Ontario N7T 5W9). Memories, messages of condolence or photographs may be shared through www.djrobb.on.ca.