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REV. DONALD ROY ROSS
1936 - 2024
Donald Roy Ross was born on May 26, 1936 in Winnipeg to parents, Daniel Roy Ross and Edith Clara Jarrett. As a child he sang in the Winnipeg Boys Choir, where he met lifelong friends, Bob Gardner and Brian Kells (d. 2021). In 1964 he married Patricia Weaver and raised four children. In the early 1980s he met Leonard Perry (d. 2021), beginning a long relationship that brought Len's daughters into his life. He had very close bonds with his and Len's children, their extended families and their many grandchildren throughout the years.
Don was a man of deep faith. He was a Minister of the United Church starting in 1960 in Thunder Bay (3-point charge), then Pinawa Christian Fellowship (Pinawa), Delta (Hamilton), Crestview (Winnipeg), Trinity (Portage) and Augustine (Winnipeg), where he retired in 1996 and later became Minister Emeritus.
In more recent years, Don became involved with St. Michael's and All Angels Anglican Church, acting as Rector's Warden.
Don was a kind, open and thoughtful person. He paid attention to people's feelings and was a strong believer in the power of goodwill toward others. He appreciated music - especially classical, art, history, genealogy, and taught classes in church architecture. He enjoyed playing organ and piano, traveling - especially to the UK and Europe, liked cats, collected miniatures and amassed a collection of hundreds of books over his lifetime.
Don was predeceased by his partner Len Perry, his brother James (d. 2003), and is survived by his children, Iona (Dean), Rachel (Tom), Christie (Glen), Andrew (Alex) and their mother Patricia Jordan, Len's daughters, Tanis (Rolly), Carla and their mother Carol Perry, his beloved grandchildren and his former sister-in-law and close friend Lorraine Fyke.
A graveside service will be held at Brookside Cemetery on May 31, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada, or to St. Michael and All Angels Church (Winnipeg).
Please arrive early as parking might be limited, and please plan for the weather conditions.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 27, 2024
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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What a beautiful soul Don was and continues to be in the heavenly realm. He embodied God's grace. He embodied humbleness. He was on the forefront of social change and he was a traditionalist in so many ways. He was wise and kind. Many, many were so blessed by his presence. May strength be with his family. - Posted by: Anne Gajerski-Cauley (colleague and parishioner) on: Jul 12, 2025
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Sorry to hear that Don has passed away. I knew him back in the Fort William days. Don played the organ at our wedding. Our condolences to Don's extended family, Pat and their kids. - Posted by: Eleanor J Burch (Acquaintance) on: Nov 12, 2024
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What a privilege it is to have known Don Ross. He made me feel welcome as a newcomer at St. Michael and All Angels church, and it was a joy to begin working together as wardens in the months before his passing. Coincidentally, he worked with my late grandfather more than 50 years ago, and was well respected by my great-uncle, Rev. Robert Galston. His warmth and wisdom will be greatly missed in the world. - Posted by: Robert W. Galston (Friend) on: May 30, 2024
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Although I have only known Don a few months and met him a handful of times, I fondly recall his smile and his ability to make strangers feel at-home in his presence. Heaven has gained an angel and the world is a bit dimmer and sadder without him. - Posted by: Ammar Bowman-Naseer (Acquaintance) on: May 29, 2024
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Don was the minister at Trinity United Church when I was a curious teenager and was a deeply thoughtful man who was so wise and gentle. He had a deep impact on how I thought about religion and ethics. He holds a special place in my heart. Sending my love to his family. - Posted by: Lisa Muirhead (Friend) on: May 27, 2024
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Don will be missed so much by his friends at St Micheal and All Angels Church. He was a kind a gently person, and it was a pleasure to have known him. Rest in peace Don, you deserve it. God Bless Diane - Posted by: Diane Caley (Friend) on: May 05, 2024
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Many, many fond memories of Don and his family during his early days of church ministry in Pinawa. I feel a strong personal sadness at his passing. - Posted by: Roger Dutton (Friend) on: May 05, 2024
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As told to me by my son Jim Fisher: I was quite young but I rememberRev. Ross. I remember the robe, the beard, that he talked about God all the time. He was a celebrity. At that young age I thought he was Jesus. I remember him as a really nice man, trailblazer in the church community too, coming out publicly and confidently. Awesome. RIP Rev. Ross. 💖 - Posted by: For Jim Fisher by Bill Fisher (Young parishioner) on: Apr 28, 2024
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Reverend Ross, Don, such a beacon of hope and faith and conviction. Hope and Faith were so enthusiastically displayed and conveyed every Sunday at Crestview United. So convincingly that my young son thought of him as Jesus. Conviction in that he stood up for what he thought was right with a brave and humble way. Don was a leader in the acceptance of all sexual preferences iin the United Church when it was largely taboo. He leaves fond memories and much love and sadness in his passing. A good and loyal servant is meeting his Saviour at last. - Posted by: Bill Fisher (Parishioner) on: Apr 28, 2024
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Don was a life long friend and colleague. He baptized one of our children and was always a supportive presence in my life. He was an outstanding musician, liturgist and preacher. He was a wordsmith who wrote prayers that were beautifully crafted, deeply moving and theologically sound. I admired his courage, wisdom and intellect. I am really disappointed that there will not be a funeral service in a church, and an opportunity for Don's many friends to sing the hymns he loved, hear the reading of the scripture that he knew so well, to give thanks for his remarkable life, and to remember the gifts he imparted to the church. He will be deeply missed. - Posted by: Father Colin Peterson (Friend and Colleague) on: Apr 27, 2024