Grant MacGregor (Greg) Ross died April 30th, 2011 at the Veterans’ Memorial Hospital in Halifax at the age of 90.
Born June 24th, 1920 at the family’s summer home, Seaforth Manor, in Pictou, Greg was the son of Victoria Burrill and Dr. William C. (Billy) Ross. His early years were spent in Sackville, NB where his father was the Principal of the Ladies’ College at Mount Allison University and he completed his education at Pictou Academy and Mount Allison Academy.
In 1941 Greg enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy and, on September 12, 1942 he married his childhood sweetheart, Kathleen Aitken, to whom he sang “I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen” in a ceremony conducted by his father, Dr. Ross.
Following the Second World War, Greg and Katie settled in Sackville NB where, as Atlantic Sales Manager, Greg established the sales force for the Enterprise Foundry. In 1970 they moved to Dartmouth and he developed the curriculum for the first Distributive Sales Program ever offered in Eastern Canada. This course soon grew to become the Business Management Program at the Dartmouth Vocational School, now the Community College, Akerly Campus. While teaching, Greg studied and took an educational leave, receiving his Bachelor of Education Degree from Dalhousie University. In addition, he taught a number of business courses for the Federal Business Development Bank and other institutions prior to his retirement in 1985.
One of Greg’s most rewarding projects was the work he did for the Canadian Executive Services Oversees Program, consulting with and assisting artists and artisans from aboriginal communities to develop markets for products and expand their businesses.
For many years Greg and Katie were directly involved with Clan Ross and Scottish activities and Greg served for many years as Nova Scotia Commissioner for the Clan Ross Society of Canada and was made an honorary member in recognition of his contribution. Greg was also presented with 50 year honorary memberships in the Masonic Society and the Commercial Traveller’s Association.
Greg was predeceased by his adored wife of 68 years, Katie, his sister Audrey at the age of 12, brothers Kent and E.B. (Bill) of St. Andrews NB, as well as his parents. Surviving are children Shelagh (Walter) Rayworth of Amherst NS, Grant MacGregor Jr. (Jamie Germaine) Ross of South Melville PEI, and Dr. Andrew (Susan) Ross of Halifax; grandchildren Christopher (Stephanie More) Rayworth of Fredericton NB, Kathleen (Haim Barel) Rayworth of Halifax NS, Geoffrey Ross of Sudbury ON, Iain Ross of San Remo Italy, Lauren and Evan Ross of Halifax, Jenna and Paul Germaine; great granddaughter Alexandra Rayworth of Fredericton; sisters in law Miriam (Bill) Franklin of Picton ON and Elizabeth Ross of St. Andrews; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service, conducted by Rev. Dianna Frye, will be held in the chapel at Melville Heights, 24 Ramsgate Lane, Halifax NS on Thursday May 5 2011 at 1:30 pm, followed by a celebration of Greg’s life in the ballroom. Interment will follow at a later date in Pictou, NS. Donations can be made to the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation, Cumberland Healthcare Foundation the NS Heart and Stroke Foundation or any charity of choice.
Thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Queen Elizabeth II, Melville Heights and Veteran’s Memorial Hospital who so lovingly cared for Greg in the last few months of his life.
Greg’s wonderful sense of humour and love of music and dancing have endeared him to many over the years and he will be greatly missed by all those who shared his life.