ROSS, Charles Manuel "Charlie" - 72, a well known lifetime resident of Windsor, Hants Co., passed away suddenly at home, on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011, as the result of a heart attack. Born in Windsor on May 3, 1938, he was the son of the late Charles and Mildred (Sanford) Ross. Prior to his semi-retirement Charlie owned and operated a successful moving company. He was very well known for his volunteer work in the community, which he loved. Charlie joined the Windsor Lions Club in April of 1985 and continued to serve until his death. In 2003, Charlie was presented the Judge Brian Stevenson Fellowship Award, which is the highest national honour recognizing outstanding achievement and contribution to Lionism, as voted by his peers. Charlie served as a director of the Lion's Club for 18 years, was chairman of the Health and Welfare Committee and was named Lion of the Year in 2008/09. In 2007, Charlie was recognized by the House of Commons for outstanding service and contribution as a volunteer. Also in 2007 he was presented with a Volunteer Service Award from the Town of Windsor and Municipality of the District of West Hants, for the outstanding volunteer service to his community. He was recognized by the Canadian Red Cross Society for his many years of donations to the Red Cross. Charlie was past president of the Newport and District Minor Fastball Association, was actively involved in minor hockey and many other associations throughout the years including the Nova Scotia Liberal Party. He will be remembered for his devotion to the Lions Club, the many people he helped and the many friendships he fostered in his community through his volunteer activity.
Charlie was also well known throughout Windsor and Nova Scotia as a hockey referee for more than 40 years, at all levels. In 1967, he was invited by the National Hockey League to attend the NHL's training program in Weston, Ontario. It was an experience he cherished. Charlie was well known for his quick wit with the players and there will be many centre men that will remember his quick humour before the puck was dropped. He was a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and went to several games over the years at Maple Leaf Gardens and the Air Canada Centre. Charlie was an avid softball and hockey player and had fond memories of the Windsor Maple Leafs, Maritime Senior League Champions in 1963/64. During his youth, along with his brothers Ernest and Jack, he joined the Army Reserves, with the 14th Field Battalion, 18th Battery, where he served for several years. Charlie enjoyed the company of his friends and family and was especially fond of his special granddaughter, Jessica Ross. He is survived by his wife, Donzell, Windsor; daughter, Lori (Tina), Windsor; sons, Chuck (Loretta), Sweets Corner; Jeffery, Calgary; granddaughter, Jessica Ross; brothers, Ernest (Judith), Haliburton, Ont.; Jack (Celeste), Toronto, Ont.; sisters, Carol (Cecil), Brighton, Ont.; Wendy (Larry), Windsor; several nieces and nephews. Arrangements for cremation were entrusted to Lohnes-DeMont Funeral Service Ltd., 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317), where visitation was held from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29. Funeral service was held 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30 in Lohnes-DeMont Funeral Service Chapel, Rev. Bill Gibson officiated. Burial followed in Maplewood Cemetery, Windsor with a reception following in the funeral home's Elmcroft Reception Centre. Family flowers only by request, however donations in memory of Charlie may be made to your local Lions Club or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, 5161 George St., 7th Floor, Halifax, NS B3J 1M7. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting the Guest Book at www.familycare.ca.