Charles Frederick Mitchell Ross
With family by his side, Charles F.M. Ross, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2021 at University Hospital, London, 4 days short of his 82nd Birthday. Beloved husband of the late Seanna Dorothy Ross, nee Vaughan (2017). He will be dearly missed by his sons Charles Bryan “CB” (Jackie), David (Tanya) and Steve, his grandchildren Taylor, Jordyn, Lara, David and Vaughan, who fondly called him Gampi, his sister Erie-Ann Jackson and Family, the Extended Vaughan family, Cousin John Jones (Sandy) and Family and his many Friends, Business Partners and Clients.
Son of Charles John Frederick Ross and Erie Jean (Mitchell) Ross, Charlie was raised in London, Ontario and attended Broughdale Elementary School, then Boarding at Bishop Ridley College where he competed in OFSA Swimming, Boxing and once lit off the Antique Military Cannon. Charlie was proud of being part of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program becoming a Pilot. He attended Western and the Business School (now Ivey) getting his HBA and Law School at Western followed by Osgoode Hall where he was called to the Bar in 1965. While at Western he was a member of Beta Theta Pi. He then became a successful lawyer.
He was active in the Liberal Party from the time he was teenager. Charlie believed strongly in the importance of Government Policy and in improving the lives of Londoners, especially new Canadians. Politically Elected and served in many roles as Deputy Mayor, Chairman of the Board of Control, Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission and Chairman of the London Board of Education. Charles was a 32nd Degree Mason, Scottish Rite, a Bishop’s Man, St. Luke’s Anglican Parishioner, and long-time member of The London Hunt Club, 50 years at the London Club, The Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club, Vice-Commodore for Lake Rosseau of the Muskoka Lakes Association and the MLA Regatta Committee competing himself and twice winning the Historic and Dangerous “Tilting” Canoe Boxing event. Charlie and Seanna enjoyed winters at North Palm Beach, Florida.
Charlie lived life to its fullest and his warm and colourful personality provided us with many happy memories. He did things his way yet his generosity had no boundaries and he was always there when difficulties arose. Sports Cars and Antique Wooden Boats were his passions, often trading things including house furniture for new Toys, much to the chagrin of his Loving, Patient, Saintly Wife Seanna. His most memorable moments were his times spent on Tobin Island, Lake Rosseau in Muskoka with his beloved family. We are left with the image of Charlie (aka “Captain Cruise”) looking over his shoulder and waving, with a wide and mischievous grin while driving one of his “Woodies” and cruising into the sunset. Charlie left a Large Wake …..but most of all, he adored his Family and so missed his lifelong Partner and Wife Seanna.
Memorial service on Friday, September 17 has been cancelled. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
Condolence messages may be emailed to: info@harrisfuneralhome.ca