Obituary of Robert Ross

Robert Ross, known as “Rossco” by his many friends and family, born May 7, 1962, sadly passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB., after a short but heroic fight with cancer. He was 61 years of age.

He is survived by his wife Deborah, of 24 years, step-son Chad (Tammy), grandchildren: Vanessa (Tommy), Cheston, step-son Clayton and granddaughter Jayelle. Step-grandchildren Katelyn, Desire & Calvin and their mother Sarah.

Rossco was born in Sudbury, Ontario, to his parents Jean-Louis (deceased) and Therese Ross. He grew up with his siblings Pauline (Sean & their children Cassandra & Jessica), Raymond, Roxanne, step-brother Gerry and nephew Devon.

Rossco (Bobby) loved having contact with his Aunt Joan and her family.  She was very important and trusted by him.

Rossco was in the Canadian Armed Forces for 11 years.  He was proud to serve his country.  He lived in Kenora and worked in landscaping and maintenance at the Kenora Hotel. In Steinbach, he worked at Granny’s Poultry in the maintenance department and in the later part of his Granny’s career, obtained his millwright certification. He moved on working at Biovail as Maintenance Supervisor. During that time, he went back to school to finish his Grade 12 with students at the SRSS in Steinbach.

Sadly, his PTSD became severe and he could no longer work and stayed at home.  His life was sheltered but his service dogs, Logan and Fancy, gave him more freedom with leaving home, by being at his side.

Rossco loved the lake, fishing, and the friends and family there.Terryall Resort was his happy place. The many friends there were part of his support system. His side-kick Greg was very special to him. Rossco enjoyed playing Crib.  He and his Crib partner Bob played many evenings, laughing, joking, losing and winning at Cordon Blue Tournaments in Ste. Anne.

Rossco was a free-living spirit. He made friends easily and was a lot of fun to be around. He would help anyone if he could. Family was very important to him. He was a kind man and protective of the ones he cared about.  I was fortunate to have my best friend, lover and soulmate in one person.

Thank you, Dr. A Barnard for your quick action in getting him medical care. The EMS team, Bethesda Hospital and CancerCare staff in Steinbach as well as the numerous doctors and CancerCare in Winnipeg.

A special thanks my Cloud 9 Bible study group and many friends for their support and help during this hard time. And also to my sons & sisters for their help & support.

The memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.  To join the family via live stream, please click HERE shortly before the service.

Donations in memory of Rossco may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, any hospital, or a charity of one’s choice.

“Rest in peace my luv and I'll be waiting for your open arms as you told me.”