Alexander ‘Alex’ Robert Ross

Dear Ruth, I was so sorry to hear of Alex's passing. It was my privilege to work for him early in my career. He will be missed.

My sincere condolences to Ruth and all of Alex's family. I first met Alex as a young, conservation intern at the Archives of Ontario. We met again when he returned to Ontario to take up the post of City Archivist in Thunder Bay and he was one of my first site visits as AAO preservation advisor in 2000. I remember him as always unfailingly kind, generous with his time and as both a gentleman and a gentle man. His passion and commitment to archives and to good preservation values was strong and deep. He gave a lot to the profession, both in his career and as a volunteer on various archival Boards and committees. I shall miss seeing and chatting with him.

My sympathies to all Alex's family. I was so fortunate to have Alex as my supervisor at the beginning of my career in the HBC Archives. He was a genuinely good man, kind, gentle, considerate, yet also clearsighted in his judgments and firm in his beliefs. I am thankful for having had the chance to know him and work with him.

On first meeting, Alex could seem quiet and modest, even shy. If you spent time with him, however, you would soon know that he had honed a razor-sharp intellect which helped him sculpt his personal successes as an archivist in Winnipeg where he quietly did more than his share of the hard work of digging out the early records of the Hudson's Bay Company left behind in the historic outposts scattered across the Arctic. Alex also had the kindest of hearts, always quick with the invitations, especially while he, Ruth and the boys lived in a historic three-story home in Winnipeg, or, while in Thunder Bay where the bears and other four-legged creatures shared their back deck. Gayle and I greatly appreciated Alex and Ruth's hospitality when we had the good fortune to visit them in both northern cities. Our condolences to Ruth and family.

On first meeting, Alex could seem quiet and modest, even shy. If you spent time with him, however, you would soon know that he had honed a razor-sharp intellect which helped him sculpt his personal successes as an archivist in Winnipeg where he quietly did more than his share of the hard work of digging out the early records of the Hudson's Bay Company left behind in the historic outposts scattered across the Arctic. Alex also had the kindest of hearts, always quick with the invitations, especially while he, Ruth and the boys lived in a historic three-story home in Winnipeg, or, while in Thunder Bay where the bears and other four-legged creatures shared their back deck. Gayle and I greatly appreciated Alex and Ruth's hospitality when we had the good fortune to visit them in both northern cities. Our condolences to Ruth and family.

Dearest Ruth and family - Just got off the phone with Mom and Dad and she told me of Alex's passing. Just wanted to send my hugs and condolences to you and the family. I am so sorry for your loss. Alex was always such a gentle man. I always enjoyed chatting with him at church. Please know we are thinking of you. Sending hugs from Thunder Bay.

Dear Ruth and family I well remember working with Alex at the Ontario Archives and also remember both of you from our mutual days at Knox Church Toronto. I pray that God will be with you and your family and that you will know God's comfort at this difficult time. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" Love to all of you

Dear Ruth and Family. I was so saddened to hear about Alex's passing. Alex was my first supervisor after grad school at the City of Thunder Bay. I couldn't have had a better introduction to the profession than him. His warmth, patience, and generosity were self evident and his passion for history was contagious. To this day I have no idea how he was able to remember so many of the details about the history of the city, the dates, and even at times the exact box number all the records were in. The great program in Thunder Bay is a lasting legacy to the impact he had on the archival profession. He will certainly be missed, my prayers and thoughts are with your family at this time.

Dear Ruth and family, I am so sorry to hear of Alex passing. I worked with Alex at the City of Thunder Bay for many years and always had great respect for him. He worked diligently to establish the records and archives program at the city and his dedication was contagious. What a kind and gentle man! He was always so willing to share his knowledge with those of us who worked with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Regards, Kathy

(Donated to Alzheimer Society)

(Donated to ALS Society of Canada)

(Donated to Canadian Bible Society)

(Donated to Alzheimer Society)

(Donated to ALS Society of Canada)

(Donated to ALS Society of Canada)