Donald Wilson George Ross
November 6, 1935 - November 8, 2025
In Loving Memory
Donald (Don) Wilson George
It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce Donald Wilson George Ross passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 8, 2025, in Kelowna, British Columbia, at the age of 90. Don was born in 1935 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, the third child and first son of Florence (Wilson) and George Ross. In 1936 the family moved west to Vancouver, BC and then to Kelowna where they settled in 1945. Don met his darling Shirley Cox in Vancouver, and they were married in 1959. Don spent the majority of his life dedicated to serving others through his long and meaningful career in the funeral home business. His career started in Vernon and then flourished in Richmond where he owned and operated the Richmond Funeral Home. His compassion, integrity and care for families in their most difficult moments left a lasting impact on everyone he served.
Don is lovingly survived by his devoted wife Shirley Ross, his daughter Lisa Dube, and his cherished grandchildren Matthew Ross (Melissa), Ashley Ross (Daniel), Bailey Dube (Sam), Blue Dube (Lauren), and Tuesday Smith and his great-grandchildren Mila Ross and Weston and Colt Dube. He is also remembered by his brother Ken, nephews Ryan, Michael, John, Steven and Colin and his nieces Sandra, Kate, Jennifer and Julie and their families, all of whom adored him deeply. He was predeceased by his beloved son David, his sisters Gladys, Jean and her husband, Bill Stewart, his sister-in-law, Barbie Ross, his brother-in-law Jim Cox and his wife, Louise.
Known for his infectious personality, quick wit and unforgettable sense of humor, Don could light up any room he entered. He was the first to lend a helping hand, a constant source of encouragement and a pillar of love and support to all who knew him.
A funeral service to honor Don’s life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 am at Valleyview Funeral Home in Kelowna, BC. For those who are unable to attend in person there will be a livestream available at https://livestream.cypressfuneral.ca/. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate a life so beautifully lived and deeply cherished. Forever in our hearts, Don’s kindness and laughter will continue to shine through the many lives he touched.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-766-4400
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 4
I was sadden to hear of Don’s passing yesterday. Don will be missed by all who knew him in funeral service. I first met Don when he was Regional Manager for the Loewen Group working out of Harron Bros. I had many good conversations with him over the years from when he placed me in as manager of Chapel Hill in South Surrey right through to when I started Arbutus Funeral Service in Walnut Grove. Don would stop in from time to time for a coffee and a visit, usually when Shirley was doing an exercise class or possibly swimming. We would discuss the happenings in funeral service and where the profession was headed. My favourite memory is one of Don’s sayings “Just do it!”. So I did and I’m sure there were times he wished he never had said those three little words to me as there were times the cost hit the budget pretty hard. Greta and I send our condolences to Shirley and family. We send our prayers to all the family.
What a blessing of a man. He is unforgettable in my mind & heart for his empathy, consideration & compassion. And what a leader! It was my good pleasure to have known Don for some 42 years, 5 of those years sharing the same office space. I always felt that he was in my corner & had my back. He opened doors for me & made what successes that I had possible. My sincerest thoughts, prayer & fondest regards go to Shirley, Lisa & the family.
I know him as a kind hearted man.
It was a privilege to be associated with Don.
My prayers are with you..
Bert
I have many fond memories of Don, Shirley and family growing up as they were such good friends of my Mum and Dad . Camping at Tobacco Road, Sing Songs around the campfire, boating, great camp cookouts and just great times. I do remember Don left the longest butts in the ashtrays when they would be over for an evening at our house which my oldest sister Brenda was quick to capitalize on. LOL. Our Thoughts are with you all today. Don was a GREAT Guy.