John C. Ross
On October 4th, 2023, we lost a good one. John Cruickshanks Ross the 7th passed away surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 7, 1956, in Montreal, Quebec, John’s magnetic personality endeared him to all who were fortunate to know him. He married Brenda Inkster on December 29th, 1979, embarking on a loving journey that would span over four and a half decades. John Ross is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda Ross, his daughters Lindsay, Lauren, and Meg, his dear son-in-laws Eli Winterfeld and Scott Grundy, and his adored granddaughter, Abigail.
John’s influence extended far beyond his immediate family, as he touched the lives of countless others with his generosity and zest for life.
John was a visionary entrepreneur who dedicated his life to business excellence and community service. He was a proud Owner and Operator of Toolquip Agency Ltd, headquartered in Toronto. For over 40 years, he diligently nurtured Toolquip Agency to become a flourishing sales and marketing company. Through his unwavering drive, leadership and his extraordinary ability to connect with people, he earned a solid reputation of high regard in the business world.
Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, John was a dedicated and passionate volunteer. For 18 years, he served as the Alpine Skiing Race Crew Chief at Georgian Peaks, overseeing and mentoring a dedicated team of 20 volunteers. More recently, he was on the Board of Directors for Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) for 6 years, assuming the role of President for two of those years. He played a pivotal role in forging important agreements with national and provincial sports organizations, showcasing his commitment to promoting inclusive opportunities. His legacy includes a profound impact on the CADS community and a lasting dedication to advancing adaptive sports for individuals with disabilities. His commitment extended to coaching with CADS Ontario Learn to Race program where he embraced the passion for developing athletes to the provincial and national teams. John loved being a coach. Athletes, parents and coaches loved having him work with them. He brought joy to the hill and it was always contagious. John also volunteered at various international Para Alpine events including the Sochi Paralympics, Vancouver Winter Olympics and several World Cups at Lake Louise. John also sat on the Board of Canada Sport for Life and Physical Literacy. His contribution to sports has left an indelible mark across Canada.
John was a dog lover – to put it mildly. For many years, John and Brenda have been committed to training guide dogs through Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. There was always a dog in the Ross house. They trained seven puppies who went on to serve as guide dogs to those in need except the last one, Avro, who is a breeder dog and was by John’s side until the end.
Above all, John was a family man. His commitment and fierce love for his family was unsurpassed. He had an insatiable thirst for adventure, an innate curiosity, an incredible intellect, and genuine interest in the lives and cultures of others. This was deeply woven into the fabric of the Ross family and was evidenced through their extensive travel across North, South and Central America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
John lived and loved large in everything he did. He was fun and funny. He was a risk taker and was never afraid to try new things. He lived life with a ‘can-do’ attitude. He was generous beyond compare, and would literally take the shirt off his back for another. He was never too busy to lend a hand. He was a mentor and role model for many, often described as a big-brother. He had a way of cultivating friendships and connections that were meaningful and long lasting. He was a “host with the most”, famous for hosting afternoon cocktails with Brenda at his favourite spot – Christie Beach on Georgian Bay. He was the life of the party being a fantastic story teller with a contagious laugh. He was a best friend to many.
John will be profoundly missed. His life, legacy and memory will live on in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of loving him and being loved by him.
A “Celebration of Life” to honour John will be held at The Boulevard Club (1491 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON) from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday October 26, 2023. There will be reflections, stories and blessings beginning at 2:00 pm. Please come whenever you can and stay as long as you would like.
In memory of John, donations may be made in John’s honour to the puppy program of
Canada Dog Guides, or to the Learn to Race program of CADS Ontario.
Deborah
That was a beautiful tribute to a life well lived, albeit not long enough. John was a bright light in my life, as he was to all in our Race Crew family and beyond. Deepest condolences to the family. xoxo
Paul and Agnes Grundy
Dear Brenda, Lindsay, Lauren, Eli, and Abigail, Meg and Scott,
To know John is to love him and we were saddened to hear of his passing and we had the good fortune of receiving his “poetic newsletter” at Christmas time, so beautiful, funny, and well written reflecting his great love for his family! When we think of John, this poem appended below, reflects our sentiments and we send our deepest sympathy to you all. John will never be forgotten, always to be remembered with love and affection.
“That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men (and women)and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.”
Robert Louis Stephenson
Cindy Slee
Brenda and family,
What a beautifully written obituary.
John certainly was larger than life and he will be missed by everyone who new him or met him.
Love to you all ❤️
Brian and Cindy Slee
Heather Harris
John made everyone around him immediately comfortable and welcome. He was an exceptional coach and had a magic touch with our son. We will miss him very much.
Scott Nicol
John loved Brenda, Lindsay, Lauren, and Meg. It’s tough to think of a time that I’ve seen John without hearing about his love for his family, his daughters’ achievements and adventures, upcoming plans with Kermie and Brenda, and so much more.
And in sport, there was no hurdle big enough to stop John from running at it and tackling it, in the name of making sport accessible and safe for everyone – and I mean everyone!
We lost a great person, a loss that reminds me how profoundly grateful I am to have had John in my life.
Rick Noddin
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Susan Dobson
Meg and family,
This is such a beautiful obituary. I send my sincere condolences to you, Meg, and to your family and to all who knew him.
becky timmins
Very sorry for your loss Brenda, and family and friends. John was a super person and I’m thankful for having known him.
Dave Whalen
A wonderful, wonderful friend.
Lorna MacKinnon
What a beautiful obituary. My deepest sympathy to Scott and Meg and to all the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Anne-Marie Rocheleau
John was an exceptional human being and loved by all who knew him. A great raconteur who made us laugh and enjoy life, we will miss him. Deepest sympathies to Brenda, Lindsay, Lauren and Meghan.
Anne Marie and John Pearson
Paul Rogers
I extend my deepest condolences to Brenda and family. The obituary says it all about John. All of us who knew him were better and richer for it. An incredible man of love and adventure – he will be missed greatly. But his inspiration will not soon fade. ❤️🙏🏻
Paul Rogers
Emilia Radovini
Dear Brenda & Family. My deepest & sincerest sympathies to all. You will be in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. Find your strength from the love that surrounds you & the cherished memories.
Emilia Radovini
Bernie Simpson
My deepest sympathy to John’s family and friends. I met John through CADS at a number of Festivals we attended. He was a special guy for sure and will be dearly missed by all that knew him. May he rest in peace.
Bernie Simpson
CADS-NCD
Sherry Craig
Brenda and family,
My deepest sympathies, I met John through several CADS festivals and he had such a wonderful presence. He will be sorely missed by his blood and skiing families. Sherry Craig
Patti Walker
Dear Brenda and family, I am so sorry to learn of John’s passing. I have such fond memories of our neighbours in Parkdale, kind, generous and lively.
Ron & Sonya Wu-Winter
Dear Brenda, Lauren, Meg and Lindsay, Eli and Scott,
You have been in our thoughts over the last months and especially now as you mourn John’s passing and celebrate his life. We feel lucky to have known John (at least a little) and to have experienced his generosity, kindness and zest for life.
Love – Ron & Sonya Wu-Winter
Kevin Dunal and Sian Roberts
Dear Brenda, Lauren, Meg and Lindsay, Eli and Scott
Love the Robert Lews Stevenson poem above. It is so befitting.
John was a legend in his own right. We had some pretty awesome times with him. His laughter, jokes, and whole demeanour always made everything better. He was the life of the party and could light up a room in seconds.
The consummate father whose love for his daughters was/is limitless. The stories keep rolling through my mind. Loved our “Lively debates” around just about any topic (John was an authority on all of them 🙂 an insatiable curiosity, excellent work ethic and a giving nature. He truly did leave the world a better place through his efforts.
This is way too early to say goodbye to him, but hopefully, the memories of the rich life exceptionally well lived will fill the void till a time when we can all meet again. One can only hope.
Love and hugs
Sian & Kevin
Michelle, Cody, & baby Arlo
Auntie Brenda, Lindsay, Lauren, El & Abigail, Meg & Scott,
John was a one-of-kind uncle with an infectious energy; more passionate, generous, and loving than we could have known. He truly lived life to the fullest and will always be example of that. We’re grateful for the time that we had with him and to have called him family.
Sending much love from Alberta.
Michelle, Cody, & baby Arlo
Anca & Alex Stan
Brenda and family,
We are so sorry of these sad news… Our sincere condolences to you all. He will be always remembered.
john hubbard
John did it right, engaged with so many people and he was, to me anyway, an ever shinning example of the power of being positive. Attitude is everything. One of those people that made you just want to be better. All our strength
The Hubbards