Obituary of Chester Paul Ross
Chester Paul Ross passed away peacefully in his home on Monday April 3rd in his 87th year with his wife Rita by his side. Loving father of Richard (Angie Laing), Steven, and Sandra (Keith Gowans), proud grandfather to Christian Whalley Ross, Abbie and Aidan Gowans. Chet will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends as someone who always made them laugh. Predeceased by brothers and their wives Ed, Jim (Jenny), Bert, Victor (Irene), Rudy (Connie), Mike (Anne), Stanley (Stephanie), and his sister Wally (Mike Kaczkan).
As his friends and family knew him, Chet was born and raised in the west end of St. Catharines on a farm to Polish immigrant parents. In his younger years he enjoyed working on cars, and listening to music of all types but his true love was playing his accordion to Polka music. As many young men do, he and his friends formed a band, at that time in the 1950’s, played Country and Western music. It wasn’t long before he discovered that dancing to music rather than being a musician, was more interesting to the girls. One evening at the Polish Hall in St. Catharines he met Rita, his wife to be. He danced his way into her heart and they were married in 1959.
One could say that “no moss ever grew” on Chet Ross. He was always striving for ways to improve his life, purchasing a home early in downtown St. Catharines, running start-up carpet and dry cleaning businesses, he juggled new ideas trying to find a successful enterprise. Needing something a bit more stable than the work these endeavors provided, Chet had the opportunity to begin work at Thompson Products. Later becoming TRW, he would find this to become his career for the next 35 years, working in various departments throughout his career.
On a casual Sunday drive along the lakeshore in 1964, on a whim, Chet stopped and asked a local if there was any property for sale in the area. The old farmer said, “Sure, I will sell you some of my land”. Chet decided to take a chance, purchased the land, and built his home to raise his family on the shores of Lake Ontario. He could not have foreseen how deep his roots would grow on this property. The house he was about to build was to become home for the rest of his life.
To say Chet was family focused does not define the interest and connection he maintained for his own siblings throughout his life. Trips to visit family were a summer staple. His farm became a frequent meeting place for his family and friends to come and celebrate events of all types. His lakeside property was his hobby, his oasis, and his escape.
When he retired he focused on his farm and took an interest in horticulture. He began to grow a variety of different plants from seeds to plant in his gardens around the house. When he could no longer work outside, he turned to cooking. His grandchildren always made him smile with their talents and adventures.
In keeping with his wishes Chet stayed in his home with his family beside him. A special thank you to Dr. A. Jeffery for her compassion and care. Thank you to the Niagara West Palliative Care Team and to the Para Med Palliative nurses Becky and Jennifer who came to offer support and care. Their understanding and compassion were much appreciated. Thank you to Fr. Slawek Oblak, OMI for his prayers and support during this difficult time.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 5 Oblate St., St. Catharines on April 14th at 11 a.m. Visitation at George Darte Funeral Home 585 Carlton St. St. Catharines April 13th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Prayers at 6 p.m. Chet will be cremated and a private internment will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, The Niagara Health Foundation, or to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.