Waldon Ross

Waldon John "Butch" Ross

July 26, 1952 ~ November 28, 2011

Butch passed away peacefully on November 28, 2011 at the Portage District General Hospital with his family at his side

He was predeceased by his parents Farrell and Marguerite Ross. He leaves to mourn his siblings Jim and Joyce Ross of Portage la Prairie, Bill and Christine Ross of Windsor, Almira Jane and Mike Powell of London, England, and Nancy Davidson of Winnipeg, nephews and nieces Craig and Natasha Ross (Nolan and Aiden), Marc Ross, Ann and Mike Desautels (Kate and Claire), Brad and Deborah Ross, Allyson Ross, Charlotte Powell, and special cousin Mary Ann (Tom) Barker.

Butch spent most of his life as a long distance trucker and the last few years in housekeeping at the Grace Hospital.

Butch managed to quit drinking a number of years ago with the fantastic help of AA members in Portage la Prairie and Winnipeg. His family was very proud of his ability to stay dry especially in view of his more recent health problems. About 2 A� years ago he was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent multiple therapies. He had many complications and set backs none of which broke his spirit.

Butch had a very honest and realistic approach to his disease and to life. He accepted graciously each new days trials and tribulations and made the best of them. He never complained. His family has learned a great deal from him about the way one should act and respond to life's many problems. He was an inspiration to all of us.

Butch and the family were always so thankful for all the excellent care he received. A special thanks to Dr. Pat Harris and the Oncology Team at the Grace, Cancer Care Manitoba Radiation Oncology and Pain Management, ICU at the Grace, Medical Ward Staff at Portage Hospital, Drs. Parham, Muller, Koulak, Hussain, Kaufman, and Macklem. To all of Butch's co-workers and friends at the Grace who were so good to him many thanks. To all his friends and neighbors many thanks as well.

Dr. Alan and Penny Macklem, words cannot express what you meant to Butch. You were always there for him and played such an important role in his life.

The family would like to make a plea to all who smoke. Please make every effort to quit and take advantage of all available resources to stop.

Father Joe Newman will celebrate the funeral mass on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Ignatius Church, Winnipeg (corner of Stafford and Corydon).

Interment will follow at a later date. As expression of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made to the Oncology Unit at Grace Hospital, 300 Booth Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3J 3M7, or to Cancer Care Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com