Sadly passed of heart failure on March 3, 2012 at home in Sointula, BC at the age of 82.

Ross was born at Squam Bay on July 11, 1929 to Pearl (Orser) & Clifford C. Bigham. When his mother was hospitalized in 1935, Ross was 'adopted' by maternal aunts and grandparents and went to school at Celista. Later, Ross attended school at Blucher Hall after he was happily reunited with his brothers Bruce and Bob at their paternal grandparents' farm. Ross' father returned from WWII service, and moved the family to Kamloops in 1942 so his sons could attend high school, but sadly didn't live to see Ross graduate.

Drawn to the outdoors, Ross spent many years as a surveyor. He worked for Highways, the PGE, Dept of Fisheries out of Vancouver, and for the City of Prince George Engineering Dept. While in Vancouver Ross built a wooden boat Zinger which served many memorable fishing trips with friends and family. In 1960 he built a house and moved his family to Quesnel where he made a living for 27 years mostly from logging and farming. Ross enjoyed constructing a 36' sailboat over 15 years in his spare time; from logging the fir for her timbers circa 1974, to casting of brass fittings, to final mounting of her spar when Grey Owl 1 was successfully launched at Steveston in 1989. Then a new chapter began. Ross retired from working the land to cruising and fishing the waters off the West Coast in his motorized sloop. In l993 Ross bought a house on Malcolm Island where he later set final anchor.

Ross was humble, yet determined. He became skilled at whatever he turned his hands and attention to: from hunting, fishing, farming, logging, fixing broken machinery, welding, drafting, custom-designing and modifying his farming and logging equipment to construction of various buildings, and boats. Ross enjoyed many good times with his family, friends, and drinking beer.

Ross was predeceased by his parents, aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife B. 'Fern'; six daughters: Teresa, Rita (Walter), Wendy, Lianne, Jennifer (Terry), Alberta (Domenic); brothers C. Bruce (Jeannie) and B. P. 'Bob'; grandchildren Antonio, Erika and Tamara; nine nephews, three nieces plus their children, and many of his cousins.

Cremation has taken place; there will be no service at Ross' request.

A private family Celebration of Ross' life is planned for later.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ross' memory to The Arthritis Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.