William Ross Strong

Our dear Dad, William Ross Strong, in his 93^rd year, passed away late in the afternoon on Wednesday, August 3^rd, 2022. Dad was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan to his parents, Margaret Jessie Woods and James Mervin Strong. He was predeceased by his wife Kathleen, sister Ivy and brother Elgin. He leaves behind his children Jeff (Julie), Megan (Paul), and Allen (Jenne); grandchildren Blake (Michelle), Dean (Kelly), Jessica (Alex), Carli (Ryan), Daniel, Sara, Taylor and Alanna; great-grandchildren Harper, Caden, Sophie, and another on the way; and his friend and partner of 14 years, Sylvia Shermet. So much about Dad has brought us great joy as we remember him and reminisce about his life. Dad loved golf, playing regularly well into his later years. He loved a glass of wine and he loved people; always showing interest and care for them and their families. The highlights of Dad’s life (besides his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren) were the business and the cottage, both of which he built from the ground up. In 1967 Dad’s ambition and energy led him to leave the Etobicoke fire Department as a fire fighter to build a successful ServiceMaster business in Mississauga.  He worked hard and paved the way for his sons, Jeff and Allen, and grandson, Blake, to also experience entrepreneurship with the freedom and challenges of successful businesses. Dad’s real passion was building our family cottage, which he built in 1963 by hand, without electricity and only water access. He was a skilled carpenter, also building many fine pieces of furniture for his family. Many a celebration has been held at the cottage, especially fun-filled Thanksgiving weekends when the family gathers yearly. All of this, Dad did with and for our mom, Kathleen (died March 28^th, 2008), for us, his kids, and for the generations to come. An incredible legacy of love, determination and vision. He loved us well and we will miss him dearly. We are so very thankful to the wonderful caregivers at Highview Residence in London, Ontario. They are a very special team of care providers who were so kind, patient, gracious and loving to Dad. The family is planning a private graveside service near the cottage later in August. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.